Bayelsa host communities threaten to shut down oil facility

The host communities of the Samabiri/Biseni Cluster, specifically Osekwenike, Osifo, and Abuetor, located in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have announced intention to shut down operations at the Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited facility.
This decision stems from the alleged failure of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to recognize the contributions and rights of the host communities concerning pipeline surveillance activities.

The grievance was expressed in a joint statement by the Presidents General of the three communities: Mr. Anthony Okorie (Osekwenike), Comrade Augustin Ogodo (Osifo) and Comrade Bartholomew Uti (Abuetor).
They emphasized that after exhausting all avenues for dialogue, including a formal letter sent through their legal counsel on September 30, 2024, acknowledged by Tantita on October 2, 2024, they have yet to receive any response or action.

The communities highlighted their longstanding relationship with the oil company, having successfully hosted its operations since 2001 without any incident of sabotage despite overseeing multiple oil wells, extensive trunk lines, and a substantial daily output of over 15,000 barrels.
They expressed confusion over their exclusion from pipeline surveillance roles, which they believe are crucial for community engagement and support.

They said the host communities are poised to initiate their shutdown plans, seeking acknowledgment and respect for their rightful role in the oil operations that significantly impact their environment and livelihoods.

The statement said: “We are calling on the Managing Director, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the Coordinator, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Bayelsa Operations and management of the company to as a matter of urgency invite the leaders of the three communities for a roundtable meeting.

“We are also calling on the government of Bayelsa State, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil and the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL to prevail on the oil and gas surveillance companies operating in Bayelsa State to recognize Osekwenike, Osifo and Abuetor communities as host communities and relate with them accordingly.
“While we commend the Chairman, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, for raising the bar of oil and gas facilities surveillance in the Niger Delta, we look forward to a robust discussion with our communities on the above subject matter without which we will be left with no other options but to shut down oil operations activities at the Samabiri/Biseni Cluster Location until our youths are engaged.
“We are therefore giving a four-week ultimatum from the day of this publication to attend to the demands raised above through our agent whose phone numbers appeared in a previous letter we addressed to Tantita dated 30th September, 2024.”