Niger delta community accuses oil firm of marginalization, gives ultimatum

The Ugbekoko Community in Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, has accused Seplat Energy Plc of marginalizing the community with respect to its operations within the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve. In a letter signed by Elder Ray Mene, the Community Chairman, and Comrade Sunny Akra, the Public Relations Officer, the community emphasized its status as a host community entitled to royalties under Section 318 of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. This is based on the presence of Seplat’s Sapele West Flow Station and extensive oil and gas pipelines on Ugbekoko land.

The letter, titled “SEPLAT’S UNRELENTING MARGINALIZATION OF UGBEKOKO COMMUNITY: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,” was sent to the Director of the State Security Services and received on November 25. The community called for the immediate establishment of the Ugbekoko Host Community Development Trust and payment of royalties as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act. They warned that failure to comply within 28 days would prompt them to seek legal and administrative actions.

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The community referenced their October 2, 2024, letter to the SSS and highlighted Seplat’s persistent marginalization despite evidence of their land rights and Delta State Government’s December 2020 White Paper on a Judicial Panel ofPAP Administrator, High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Pledges Support to Defence Headquarters in Combating Oil Theft Enquiry. The White Paper supported Ugbekoko’s rights to benefits from oil operations.

The community underscored that Section 318 of the Petroleum Industry Act defines host communities as those where oil companies operate. Ugbekoko fits this description due to Seplat’s facilities on its land and the surrounding infrastructure. They emphasized that while they prefer peace over conflict, they would pursue redress if their demands are ignored. The community urged the Department of State Security to act promptly to prevent potential tensions from escalating into a crisis.