…Calls for Enforcement of Inquiry Recommendations
By Sunday Apah
The Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area has expressed strong concerns about SEPLAT Petroleum’s ongoing pipeline projects, accusing the company of neglecting their rights as hosts to significant oil installations in OML 41.
During a press conference held at the town hall, community representatives criticized SEPLAT for proceeding with new pipeline installations without proper consultation, despite numerous petitions and documented proof of land ownership in Ugbekoko, Uton Iyatsere, and Abigborodo spanning several years.
They highlighted that both the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 and the Host Communities Development Regulations of 2022 clearly mandate oil companies to engage meaningfully with their host communities.
According to the community leaders, SEPLAT has disregarded these legal requirements, effectively sidelining the people.
The community referred to several government documents, including the Delta State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve, published in Gazette No. 1 of 2021, which confirmed Abigborodo’s ownership of the land in question.
They expressed disappointment that the state government has yet to implement the white paper from that inquiry, which recommended recognition and fair compensation for the community.
Additionally, the leaders cited the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee’s findings, which investigated grievances against SEPLAT and affirmed that Abigborodo and Ugbekoko qualify as host communities.
They lamented that the committee’s recommendations remain unfulfilled, leaving the community marginalized and vulnerable.
“The initiation of pipeline operations without resolving existing disputes is deeply concerning,” the community stated, cautioning that such actions could escalate tensions and provoke social unrest in the Niger Delta.
Responding to reporters, the chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee drew parallels to the broader Niger Delta crisis that prompted the amnesty program, noting the underlying issue was the violation of community rights. He warned that without proper engagement from SEPLAT, the situation may worsen.
He called on the Delta State governor to take prompt and decisive measures by enforcing the white paper and the peace-building committee’s recommendations. “Leadership demands clear choices—either implement the proposals or reject them outright. Ignoring them only leaves communities in uncertainty,” he emphasized.
The community outlined their key demands: an immediate halt to pipeline operations until thorough consultation occurs; security forces should not be used to suppress peaceful demonstrations; and the federal government, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and other relevant bodies must intervene to safeguard Abigborodo’s rights.
In conclusion, community representatives reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful and lawful advocacy for their land rights but warned that continued neglect could intensify poverty and threaten stability in the Niger Delta.
They appealed to the media for broad coverage of their situation and urged the government to act swiftly to avert further conflict.
