By Adenike Lawal
Host communities in Bayelsa State have given NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a 14-day ultimatum to address concerns over security contracts or face a shutdown of operations at Oil Mining Leases (OMLs), 86 and 88.
In a letter dated March 28, 2025, representatives from the affected communities expressed outrage over NEPL’s decision to terminate its contract with their nominated security firm, Multiplan Nigeria Limited, and reduce the number of community-owned security vessels from three to two.
They also accused the company of awarding one vessel contract to an unknown contractor, calling it a breach of existing agreements.
The communities, including Sangana, Fish Town, Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Foropa, Ekeni, Ezetu 1, and Ezetu 2, stressed that these security contracts have been in place since Chevron Nigeria Limited introduced them in 2007 to safeguard oil facilities.
NEPL, which took over operations in 2021, had agreed to maintain all previous obligations, including these security arrangements.
Through the KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust, the communities are demanding the immediate reinstatement of all three security vessels, payment of outstanding invoices from 2024, and an urgent meeting with NEPL within seven days.
Failure to comply, they warned, will result in shutting down oil production at OMLs 86 and 88.
