OLEH, Nigeria — Women from the Oleh, Emede, and Olomoro communities in Delta State’s Isoko South Local Government Area took to the streets on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, to protest against Heritage Oil Company, the operator of Oil Mining Licence (OML 30).
The protesters, demanding a gas turbine and the right to elect the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Trust chairman, disrupted operations at the company’s base in Oleh.
The aggrieved women, carrying placards with slogans such as “No Gas Turbine Plant, No Operations,” “Heritage Crisis Provocateurs,” “Depart from Our Land,” and “The Right to Elect the PIA Trust Chairman Belongs to Us,” vowed to remain at the company’s gate until their demands were met.
The protest, which caused significant disruption to the company’s operations, highlights long-standing grievances between the oil company and the local communities over resource management and local representation in the oil industry.
The women argue that the company has failed to adequately address their demands, especially regarding the establishment of a gas turbine plant and their right to appoint a PIA Trust chairman.
This position is crucial for the community’s stake in the country’s oil industry.
Local Government Chairman Calls for Calm
In response to the protest, Friday Ovoke Warri, chairman of the Isoko South council, addressed the women, appealing for calm and urging them to prioritize dialogue over protest.
“Notwithstanding my role as chairman, entrusted with advancing our local government’s progress, I assume the humble position of a citizen today to stand alongside you in this moment of shared concern,” Warri said in his address.
He stressed the importance of peace and constructive engagement in resolving the issues raised by the community.
“I would like to seize this opportunity to appeal to all mothers here to reject this protest and prioritize dialogue,” Warri added.
“It is evident that our oil-producing community is navigating a pivotal phase towards a better society, as we have long envisioned. While the transition’s effects may seem unbearable, leading to reactions and protest calls, we must pursue constructive engagement.”
The chairman assured the protesters that the council would address their grievances peacefully and swiftly.
Ongoing Tensions Between Communities and Oil Companies
The protest is the latest in a series of tensions between local communities in Delta State and oil companies operating in the region.
The women’s demands for a gas turbine plant and representation under the PIA framework reflect broader concerns about the distribution of resources and the involvement of local communities in decision-making processes.
Heritage Oil Company, which operates one of the largest oilfields in Nigeria, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the protest.
However, the demonstration significantly impacted the company’s operations, with workers and activities at the Oleh base coming to a halt.
As the deadline for resolving the community’s demands approaches, it remains to be seen how the company and government officials will respond to the protesters’ concerns.
