In a letter dated March 28, 2025, representatives from eight affected communities—Sangana and Fish Town in Brass Local Government Area, along with Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Foropa, Ekeni, Ezetu 1, and Ezetu 2 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area—expressed their grievances regarding NEPL's decision to terminate the contract of Multiplan Nigeria Limited, a community-nominated security contractor. The communities also protested the reduction of community-owned security vessels from three to two, with one of the remaining contracts awarded to an external firm without their consultation.
These security arrangements, initially established by Chevron Nigeria Limited in 2007 to maintain peace and safeguard oil infrastructure, were inherited by NEPL when it took over operations of OMLs 86 and 88 in 2021. The host communities argue that any alterations to these longstanding agreements should involve their input and consent.
The KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT), representing the affected areas, has demanded the immediate reinstatement of all three security vessel contracts, full payment of outstanding invoices from 2024, and an urgent meeting with NEPL's management within seven days to resolve the issue. Failure to meet these demands, they warn, will result in the mobilization of all necessary resources to shut down oil production at OMLs 86 and 88.
This development poses a significant threat to Nigeria's oil production, particularly as the government aims to increase output to two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million by 2030. The potential shutdown underscores the broader challenges faced by the oil industry in balancing operational objectives with community relations and contractual obligations.
As the deadline approaches, stakeholders await NEPL's response to the communities' demands, recognizing the critical importance of maintaining stability and mutual trust in the region's oil operations.
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