Chris Awhawha
The leadership of Egbema Offshore Communities (EOC) in Warri North Local Government Area has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), to address a series of long-standing demands in respect of ongoing operations in PML 49.
They alleged that Chevron had ignored their plea since November 2023.
The ultimatum was signed by Comrade Mike JK Tiemo and including representatives of eleven communities over the weekend, in Warri, Dale State.
They called for Chevron’s immediate attention to their demands in compliance to the Local Content Act, community development, and employment quotas as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“ Chevron has shown little interest in addressing the demands, which were formally communicated through multiple letters”
“We the leaders and stakeholders of Egbema offshore communities hereby give Chevron Nigeria Limited seven days to meet our demands,”
They asserted that Chevron’s neglect of these legitimate demands has left them with no option but to press forward with the ultimatum.
“ Our demands are Establishment of the Host Community Development Trust; Chevron’s adherence to the Local Content Act, specifically requesting one-third (1/3) of offshore memorandum of understanding (OMOU) funds accrued since 2008”
They argued that this portion should have funded community development projects, youth and women’s empowerment programs, and scholarships for Egbema indigent students.
They alleged that the board of Trustee, Management Committee and advisory Committee structures of Host Communities Development Trust has not been implemented in pursuance to the PIA Content.
“ We demand that employment opportunities generated by Chevron, particularly in the departments of warehouse, mechanical integrity, drilling, and marine, should be directed to Egbema residents”
“ Over 150 positions are in contention, and these jobs are rightfully for the host communities under Chevron’s community employment quota. We demand for immediate employment of the numerous graduates of Egbema offshore Communities”
The communities further asked Chevron to allocate the PIA-mandated 3% shares to the Egbema offshore communities from August 8, 2022, onwards, as specified in Chevron’s August 7, 2022, letter.
“ Chevron is committed to providing holiday provisions, as per their December 18, 2023, letter. But the oil company has neglected this commitment, and we demand fulfillment of this provision”
The communities demanded for reimbursement for costs incurred while advocating for their rights and contesting Chevron’s alleged delays and obstructions.
They argued that Chevron’s conduct has imposed undue financial burdens on the communities, hindering their constitutional and humanitarian rights.
“ Chevron since November 2023 has not demonstrated any iota of interest in our demands, rather they are creating further controversies”
They pointed out the money is meant for the development of the communities and empowerment of the indigenes as the operation affects their customary occupation and ecosystem.
The group called on the Delta State Government and other regulatory bodies to intervene.
They warned that Chevron’s reluctance to meet the communities demands could threaten peace in the area.
“A cow that produces milk, if assassinated, there will be no milk to be extracted or produced,”
They appealed to Delta State Governor, RT Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to prevail on Chevron into compliance.
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