Warri North, Delta State — The Egbema offshore communities in Warri North Local Government Area have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), demanding the oil company address several unresolved and emerging issues tied to its operations in PML 49.
In a statement signed by Comrade Mike JK Tiemo and eleven other community representatives, the communities call for Chevron’s immediate attention to demands concerning the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Local Content Act, community development, and employment opportunities for locals.
According to the statement, Chevron has shown a pattern of disregard for these demands, despite multiple formal communications over the years.
“We, the leaders and stakeholders of Egbema offshore communities, hereby give Chevron Nigeria Limited seven days to meet our demands,” the release declared, stressing that the company's neglect has forced them into issuing this ultimatum.
The communities assert that Chevron has failed to fully implement the PIA, which requires the establishment of a Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
They reference Chevron’s correspondence from May and August 2022, which outlined the transition toward a PIA-compliant structure, and claim that Chevron has not fulfilled this commitment.
Additionally, they allege Chevron has not adhered to the Local Content Act by failing to release funds for community development projects, youth and women’s empowerment, and scholarships for Egbema students.
The community leaders argue that Chevron’s lack of implementation of the necessary governance structures under the PIA is preventing proper representation and oversight.
The communities further contend that Chevron should prioritize Egbema residents for employment, particularly in roles related to warehouse management, mechanical integrity, drilling, and marine services.
They say that over 150 jobs rightfully belong to the community and demand that Chevron provide employment for numerous graduates from Egbema to give them a sense of inclusion in Chevron’s operations.
The communities also call on Chevron to allocate the 3% shares mandated by the PIA to Egbema offshore communities from August 8, 2022, as per Chevron’s commitment, and to fulfill its agreement to provide end-of-year provisions to the communities, which they claim has been neglected since December 2023.
In addition to these demands, the Egbema communities seek reimbursement for expenses incurred while advocating for their rights and challenging Chevron’s alleged delays.
They argue that Chevron’s conduct has placed an undue financial burden on the community, obstructing their constitutional and humanitarian rights.
Despite repeated attempts to engage in dialogue, the Egbema communities allege that Chevron has shown little willingness to resolve these concerns, consistently delaying any meaningful action.
“While we are open to dialogue, Chevron has not shown any genuine interest in addressing our demands,” the statement read, emphasizing that the funds in question are critical for the development and empowerment of the Egbema people, who bear the impact of Chevron’s operations on their traditional way of life and ecosystem.
The community leaders have also called on the Delta State Government and regulatory bodies to intervene, warning that Chevron’s continued neglect of their demands could disrupt the peace in the region.
“A cow that produces milk, if assassinated, will yield no more milk,” the statement added, symbolizing their commitment to protecting both the community and Chevron’s interests in a mutually beneficial relationship.
In a direct appeal to Delta State Governor RT Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the communities urged his administration to press Chevron into compliance, cautioning that if the company does not meet their demands within the stipulated timeframe, they will consider other “peaceful and lawful measures” to secure their rights.
The release concludes with a firm stance: “Justice is what we stand for…enough is enough for pushing us to the wall. A stitch in time saves nine,” the leaders declared, underscoring their readiness to take action if Chevron does not fulfill its obligations as a corporate tenant and development partner in the Niger Delta.
This ultimatum highlights the wider tension between multinational corporations and host communities in the Niger Delta, where issues of environmental impact, economic inequalities, and corporate accountability continue to drive conflict.
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