Niger Delta Communities Issue Two-Week Ultimatum To NNPC Over Security Contracts

Communities in the Niger Delta Threaten Shutdown of Oil Production

Listen up, folks. The communities in the oil-rich Niger Delta region aren’t playing around. They’ve issued a bold warning to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) – Exploration & Production Limited (EPL), giving them just 14 days to rethink a controversial decision affecting security vessel contracts at oil fields OMLs 86 and 88. If NNPC doesn’t act fast, these communities are ready to shut down oil operations completely. That’s right, they’re not messing around.

Naija News has learned that this move could spell trouble for Nigeria’s already struggling oil production. We’re talking about a potential domino effect that could further destabilize the country’s energy sector. Just last month, Nigeria’s crude oil output dropped to an average of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), a significant decline from 1.737 million bpd in January. So, this is no small issue—it’s a ticking time bomb.

Now, here’s the kicker: The Guardian reported that they’ve gotten their hands on the letter that carries this weighty ultimatum. Let’s dive deeper into what’s going on here.

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Who Signed the Letter and What’s at Stake?

This isn’t just a random letter; it’s signed by some heavy hitters in the KEFFES region of Bayelsa State. The letter, dated March 28, 2025, includes the signatures of Chairman Christopher Tuduo (Ezetu 1), Dr. Amakiri Ngozi (Fishtown), Tuadei Alex C. (Ezetu 2), Mr. Aneri Ebimene (Ekeni), Ileberi Ebiwei (Koluama 2), Thankgod Bunafigha (Koluama 1), Saighe Martins (Ezetu 2), Ekemeghuesuotei Sese (Foropa), and Uroh Kiani (Sangana). These leaders represent the voices of the affected communities and their concerns are valid.

The dispute centers around Pennington Production Limited, a subsidiary of NNPC, which operates OMLs 86 and 88. Recently, Pennington terminated its contract with Multiplan Nigeria Limited, a trusted security contractor chosen by the community, and slashed the number of community security vessels from three to two. To make matters worse, one of the remaining vessels was handed over to a contractor unfamiliar to the host communities. That’s not sitting well with anyone.

Why Are the Communities So Upset?

These communities feel betrayed, and rightly so. They argue that this move violates agreements that have been in place for years. The security vessels weren’t just randomly assigned—they were introduced by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) back in 2007 to bring peace and stability to the region after years of unrest. When NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) took over OMLs 86 and 88 from Chevron in 2021, they promised to honor all existing contracts, including those tied to the security vessels.

The communities insist that these vessels are community assets. Any changes to the contracts should involve their consent. It’s not about control—it’s about fairness and respect for agreements that have kept the peace for so long.

What Do the Communities Want?

In their letter, the communities laid out their demands loud and clear. They want 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 address the issue. They’re not asking for the moon—they’re asking for what they believe is rightfully theirs.

If these demands aren’t met within the 14-day deadline, the communities have vowed to mobilize all necessary resources to shut down production at OMLs 86 and 88. This isn’t an empty threat; it’s a serious step they’re prepared to take until their grievances are resolved.

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So, there you have it. The Niger Delta communities are standing their ground, and NNPC has some serious decisions to make. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will NNPC step up and find a solution, or will this escalate into a full-blown crisis? Only time will tell.