Warri Ward Delineation Dispute: Protesters Shut Down 13 Oil Flow Stations, Halt 400,000bpd Production
• Chevron, Shell, NestOil/Neconde Operations Disrupted
• Protesters Block Logistics Supply Routes
Nigeria’s crude oil production has suffered a major setback following the shutdown of 13 oil flow stations in Delta State by protesters demanding the implementation of the recently approved ward delineation report in the Warri Federal Constituency.
The affected facilities are operated by leading energy companies, including the Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), American-owned Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), and NestOil/Neconde.
Industry sources disclosed that the 13 flow stations collectively produce approximately 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day, raising concerns over significant production losses and potential economic implications for the country.
The affected facilities include Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye, Makaraba, Olero Creek, Dibi Field, and Opuekeba Flow Station.
The facilities were occupied by hundreds of women and youths drawn from Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, Egbema, and Diebiri kingdoms within the Warri Federal Constituency, which comprises Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Sources said the protesters took control of the facilities after forcing out security personnel and workers at the various locations.
In addition to occupying the flow stations, the demonstrators reportedly blocked waterways used for logistics operations, preventing the movement of supplies and personnel to facilities operated by Shell, Chevron, and NestOil/Neconde.
The protesters, predominantly of Ijaw ethnic extraction, are demanding the immediate implementation of the ward delineation exercise recently approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
They alleged that certain interests within the Itsekiri community were making efforts to frustrate the implementation of the delineation report, which they insist was lawfully conducted by INEC in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment.
The shutdown came less than 24 hours after Ijaw and Urhobo groups in the Warri Federal Constituency threatened to halt oil production should INEC fail to implement the final ward delineation report.
The demonstrators vowed to sustain the shutdown until the electoral commission fully implements the recommendations contained in the delineation exercise.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “INEC: Implement Warri Delineation Report,” “Court-Ordered Judgment on Wards and Polling Units Delineation,” and “No Implementation, No Production,” the protesters maintained that their action was aimed at securing justice and equitable political representation.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief (Mrs.) Maria Ebike accused INEC of delaying the implementation process despite concluding consultations and presenting its recommendations to stakeholders.
According to her, the ward delineation exercise was designed to promote fairness, equity, and adequate representation for communities within the Warri Federal Constituency.
She further alleged that “powerful forces within the Presidency” were working to frustrate the implementation of the commission’s report.
“We have waited patiently for the authorities to do the right thing. Since our concerns continue to be ignored, we have no option but to demand justice through peaceful protest. No implementation of the ward delineation, no oil production,” she stated.
The dispute stems from a 2022 Supreme Court judgment which ordered a fresh ward and polling unit delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency.
In compliance with the ruling, INEC conducted the exercise and presented its final report to stakeholders in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on May 20, 2026.
However, the implementation of the report has heightened tensions among the Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri ethnic groups in the constituency. While Ijaw and Urhobo stakeholders have accused their Itsekiri counterparts of lobbying influential figures within the Presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to stall the process, Itsekiri groups have continued to express reservations over aspects of the delineation exercise.
The development has further intensified political and ethnic tensions in the oil-rich Warri area, with concerns growing over the potential impact on national oil production and regional stability if the dispute remains unresolved.
