Residents of Egbemo Angalabiri, a prominent oil-producing community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have staged a peaceful protest, accusing oil companies operating in the area of neglect and exclusion. They warned that unless urgent steps are taken to address their concerns, they may be compelled to disrupt oil and gas operations in the region.
The protest, which drew hundreds of community members, targeted the premises of Renaissance Africa Energy Company and Oando Plc, two major players in the area’s oil sector. The demonstrators accused the companies of failing to hire qualified locals or award them contracts, despite the community’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil output. Egbemo Angalabiri, home to over 100 oil wells and three flow stations, reportedly receives little in return in terms of employment or basic infrastructure.
Community leaders decried the lack of development, highlighting the absence of clean water, electricity, healthcare, and roads. Engr. Lokiri Lawrence, chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Tarakiri Clan), said the protest was a peaceful move aimed at drawing the attention of the federal and state governments to the situation. He noted that the excuse of unqualified local labor is no longer valid, as many youths from the area are now graduates in relevant fields like engineering, marine science, geology, and law.
“Our people are no longer unskilled. We have graduates and trained professionals, yet they are overlooked. Even those with equipment for marine and exploration services are ignored when it comes to contract opportunities,” he said.
Also speaking, human rights lawyer and youth spokesperson Barr. Benneth Joseph Ebikon criticized the oil companies for violating the Nigerian Local Content Act and the Petroleum Industry Act. According to him, the laws require oil firms to source unskilled labor entirely from host communities, award at least 50% of semi-skilled roles locally, and reserve 10% of skilled jobs for the same areas, none of which he said has been observed in Egbemo Angalabiri.
He further alleged that since the Renaissance and Oando took over operations from previous operators like Shell and Agip, there has been no meaningful consultation or collaboration with the host communities.
Community elders, including Mr. Noro Raphael and Mr. Benjamin Bide, called for immediate dialogue with the oil companies and urged President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to intervene. They emphasized that the protest was not an act of hostility but a desperate appeal for inclusion, jobs, and development.
