Egbema Offshore Communities Issue 7-Day Ultimatum to Chevron Over Unresolved Demands
By Wilson Macaulay
Delta state— The Egbema offshore communities in Warri North Local Government Area have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), urging the oil company to address a series of long-standing and nasent demands in respect of ongoing operations in PML 49 etc that have allegedly been ignored since November 2023.
The ultimatum, outlined in a press release signed by Comrade Mike JK Tiemo and eleven other community representatives, called for Chevron’s immediate attention to demands related to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Local Content Act, community development, and employment quotas.
The Egbema offshore communities assert that Chevron has shown little interest in addressing the demands, which were formally communicated through multiple letters. "We the leaders and stakeholders of Egbema offshore communities hereby give Chevron Nigeria Limited seven days to meet our demands," the release states. They asserted that Chevron’s neglect of these legitimate demands has left them with no option but to press forward with the ultimatum.
Key Demands by the Egbema Offshore Communities
The communities’ grievances focus on seven key areas:
Establishment of the Host Community Development Trust
The communities demand the full implementation of the PIA Act, requiring Chevron to establish the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT). They reference Chevron's May 10, 2022, and August 10–11, 2022, letters committing and notifying to the transition towards a PIA-compliant structure but claim Chevron is yet to fulfill this obligations.
Access to Local Content Funds
The communities are seeking Chevron's adherence to the Local Content Act, specifically requesting one-third (1/3) of offshore memorandum of understanding (OMOU) funds accrued since 2008. They argue that this portion should have funded community development projects, youth and women’s empowerment programs, and scholarships for Egbema indigent students.
They alleged that the board of Trustee, Management Committee and advisory Committee structures of Host Communities Development Trust has not been implemented in pursuance to the PIA Content.
Employment Opportunities for Community Members
The Egbema offshore communities argued that employment opportunities generated by Chevron, particularly in the departments of warehouse, mechanical integrity, drilling, and marine, should be directed to Egbema residents. Over 150 positions are in contention, and the communities claim these jobs are rightfully theirs under Chevron's community employment quota. They further demanded for immediate employment of the numerous graduates of Egbema offshore Communities.
Allocation of PIA 3% Host Community Shares
The communities demand Chevron to allocate the PIA-mandated 3% shares to the Egbema offshore communities from August 8, 2022, onwards, as specified in Chevron’s August 7, 2022, letter.
Provision of Christmas Food Items
According to the communities, Chevron is committed to providing holiday provisions, as per their December 18, 2023, letter. They allege the oil company has neglected this commitment, and they now demand fulfillment of this provision.
Compensation for Legal and Advocacy Expenses
The communities demand reimbursement for costs incurred while advocating for their rights and contesting Chevron’s alleged delays and obstructions. They argue that Chevron’s conduct has imposed undue financial burdens on the communities, hindering their constitutional and humanitarian rights.
Chevron’s Alleged Lack of Response
The Egbema offshore communities allege that despite efforts to engage in dialogue, Chevron has not shown any genuine willingness to address their grievances. According to the release, Chevron has repeatedly delayed taking concrete action, leaving the community with no option but to issue this ultimatum. “Even though we are open to dialogue, Chevron since November 2023 has not demonstrated any iota of interest in our demands, rather they are creating further controversies" the press stated. They pointed out the money is meant for the development of the communities and empieement of the indigenes as the operation affects our customary occupation and ecosystem.
The Egbema offshore Communities leaders called on the Delta State Government and other regulatory bodies to intervene. They warn that Chevron’s reluctance to meet the communities demands could threaten peace in the area. “A cow that produces milk, if assassinated, there will be no milk to be extracted or produced,” the statement reads, underscoring their intent to protect both the communities and the interests of the company in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Community Leaders Warn of Further Actions
In an appeal to Delta State Governor, RT Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Egbema communities urge his administration to pressure Chevron into compliance. They further cautioned that if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe, they will consider alternative "peaceful and lawful measures" to secure their rights. The Egbema offshore communities emphasized their commitment to justice, vowing to oppose any form of "abnormalities and irregularities" that they believe Chevron has perpetuated.
The press release concludes with a poignant reminder that while the communities have remained patient and hopeful for Chevron’s cooperation, they are prepared to act if ignored. “Justice is what we stand for…enough is enough for pushing us to the wall. A stitch in time saves nine,” they declared, expressing their determination to see Chevron fulfill its obligations as a corporate tenant and development partner in the region.
This ultimatum underscores the broader tensions between multinational corporations and host communities in the Niger Delta, where environmental impacts, economic disparities, and issues of corporate accountability have been longstanding sources of friction.
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