By Wilson Macaulay
Warri North, Delta State — The Egbema offshore communities in Warri North Local Government Area have given Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) a seven-day deadline to resolve long-standing and emerging issues related to ongoing operations in PML 49.
In a press release signed by Comrade Mike JK Tiemo and eleven community representatives, Chevron is urged to promptly address demands regarding the Petroleum Industry Act, Local Content Act, community development, and employment quotas.
The Egbema offshore communities asserted that Chevron has shown little interest in addressing the demands, which were formally communicated through multiple letters for the past years till date.
A copy of the Press release made a available to Daily independent Newspaper Correspondent reads in part:
“We the leaders and stakeholders of Egbema offshore communities hereby give Chevron Nigeria Limited seven days to meet our demands,” the release states. They asserted that Chevron’s neglect of these legitimate demands has left them with no option but to press forward with the ultimatum.
The Egbema offshore communities’ grievances is focused on seven key areas:
Establishment of the Host Community Development Trust
The communities are demanding for the full implementation of the PIA Act, requiring Chevron to establish the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT). They referenced Chevron’s May 10, 2022, and August 10–11, 2022, letters committing and notifying them for the transition towards a PIA-compliant structure but claim that Chevron is yet to fulfill this obligation.
Access to Local Content Funds
The communities are seeking 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 the monies 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 as applicable to Egbema Opudis Host Communities Development Trust head and Chaired by Mr Edmund Doya Tiemo in respect of Egbema onshore communities.
Employment Opportunities for Community Members
The Egbema offshore communities pointed out 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 the communities claimed that these jobs are rightfully theirs under Chevron’s community employment quota. They further demanded for immediate employment of some of the numerous graduates of Egbema offshore Communities, to give them a sense of belonging.
Allocation of PIA 3% Host Community Shares
The communities demand 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.
Provision of Christmas Food Items
According to the communities, Chevron is committed to providing end of year provisions, as per their December 18, 2023, letter. They alleged that Chevron has neglected this commitment, and they now demand fulfillment of this provision.
Compensation for Legal and Advocacy Expenses
The Egbema offshore communities are demanding 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’s Alleged Lack of Response
The Egbema offshore communities alleged that despite efforts to engage in dialogue, Chevron has not shown any genuine willingness to address their grievances.
According to the release, Chevron has repeatedly delayed taking concrete action, leaving the communities with no option but to issue this ultimatum.
“Even though we are open to dialogue, Chevron since November, 2023 has not demonstrated any iota of interest in our demands, rather they are creating further controversies” the press release stated. They emphasized that the money in question is meant for the development of the development of Egbema onshore communities and empowerment of the indigenes as the operation affects our customary occupation and ecosystem.
The Egbema offshore Communities leaders 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,” the statement reads, underscoring their intention to protect both the communities and the interests of the company in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Community Leaders Warn of Further Actions
In a special appeal to the Delta State Governor, RT Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Egbema communities urged his administration to pressure Chevron into compliance. They further cautioned that if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe, they will consider alternative “peaceful and lawful measures” to secure their rights.
The Egbema offshore communities emphasized their commitment to justice, vowing to oppose any form of “abnormality and irregularities” that they believe Chevron has perpetuated.
The press release concludes with a poignant reminder that while the communities have remained patient and hopeful for Chevron’s cooperation, they are prepared to act if ignored. “Justice is what we stand for…enough is enough for pushing us to the wall. A stitch in time saves nine,” they declared, expressing their determination to see Chevron fulfill its obligations as a corporate tenant and development partner in the region.
This ultimatum underscores the broader tensions between multinational corporations and host communities in the Niger Delta, where environmental impact, economic disparities, and issues of corporate accountability have been a longstanding sources of friction in the Niger Delta region.
