Thousands of young people from Egbemo Angalabiri, a host community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, took to the streets in a peaceful protest, accusing oil companies of years of neglect and economic exclusion. The protest targeted Renaissance Africa Energy Company and Oando Plc, with residents expressing deep frustration over what they described as marginalization and a breach of local content laws.
The protesters alleged that despite having over 100 oil wells and three flow stations in the area, the companies have refused to employ qualified youths or award contracts to local service providers. They claimed that several community members now hold degrees in petroleum-related fields, such as engineering, marine studies, and geology, yet the oil firms have not engaged any.
Carrying placards and chanting peacefully, the protesters demanded immediate government intervention. They urged the Federal Government and the Bayelsa State Government to compel the oil companies to comply with the Nigerian Local Content Act and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), both of which aim to ensure host communities benefit from natural resource exploitation in their area.
Speaking to reporters during the protest, Lokiri Lawrence, chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) in the Tarakiri Clan, noted that their people were once excluded from oil jobs due to a lack of formal qualifications. Today, he said, many are graduates and own the equipment needed for oil and marine operations, but still face rejection.
Lawrence warned that unless the situation changes, the community may resort to shutting down oil and gas activities in the region. He described the community’s living conditions as poor, with no access to potable water, electricity, roads, or hospitals, despite the area’s significant contribution to the national economy.
Human rights lawyer and youth spokesperson Barrister Benneth Joseph Ebikon echoed these concerns, accusing the companies of ignoring both their legal obligations and the welfare of the people. He stated that since the transition from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Agip to the current operators, no formal meetings have been held with the community.
Attempts to get a response from Renaissance Africa Energy Company and Oando Plc were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
