Trouble looms between Delta community, oil firm in OML 40

Crisis is brewing between Atesuo, an Ijaw community in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDV/ELCREST JV over mobilization of personnel and equipment for dredging, drilling and installation of pipelines by the company allegedly without appropriate negotiation with the villagers.

The community in a statement by the spokesperson, Mr Dickson Isene, urged the Delta State Government to persuade the company to halt the planned mobilisation of personnel and equipment to avert crisis in OML 40

“We wish to draw the attention of the Delta State Government to the refusal of the management of NPDC/ECREST JV to series of letters sent to them for a formal meeting to discuss the position of Atesuo community within OML 40. It becomes necessary at this time as the company is about to mobilise to site without meeting the charter of demands.”

Vanguard learned that contrary to the demand of the community, the company recently mobilised to the site without reaching a pact with the people, a development that has further fuelled tension in the area.

Community chairman, Chief Johnbull Adaun and 11 others, in an earlier letter to the Managing Director NPDV, ELCREST JV, dated February 12, said: “We will like to express our displeasure over the non-involvement of Atesuo community during the survey of Atesuo field at OML 40. It is our strong belief that your company will not make the same mistake during the dredging, drilling and pipelines installation.”

SOURCE: oglinks.news