Renewed hostilities have resumed between NNPC Exploration & Production Limited and host communities in Bayelsa State’s coastal region over a lingering dispute concerning security vessel contracts.
The eight oil-producing host communities, made up of Koluama 1 & 2, Ezetu 1 & 2, Foropa, Fish town, Ekeni, and Sangana in Bayelsa, have issued fresh threats to shut down operations at Oil Mining Leases 86 and 88 if their grievances over security contracts are not addressed.
The communities issued a seven-day ultimatum to resolve the issues or face a total shutdown of the facilities. The KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust accused NEPL and its contractors of sidelining local stakeholders in the award of key security contracts, traditionally regarded as community service initiatives.
The communities allege that Pennington Production Limited, a subsidiary operating the fields, and its contractors — Multiplan Nigeria Limited and EDEMX — failed to engage or consult host communities before assuming control of the contracts.
In a letter to the NEPL, the Chairman of the KEFFES HCDT, Chief Tuduo Christopher, outlined mounting grievances, warning that the company’s “nonchalant attitude” risked triggering unrest and disruption in the coastal region.
The communities cited several unresolved issues, including the alleged failure of the new contractors to attend meetings held between April and May 2025, despite repeated invitations. They also complained of delayed payments for local contractors, some of which reportedly date back to 2023.
“The vessels are not merely assets but are regarded as monuments of peace,” the letter stated, emphasising the critical economic and social role the contracts play in sustaining over 250 direct and 400 indirect beneficiaries in the area.
Citing Section 257(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the KEFFES Trust warned that the escalating tensions could result in vandalism, sabotage, or civil unrest if not urgently addressed.
The letter declared that NEPL would be held accountable should operations be disrupted, saying the document serves as “official notice” of the company’s failure to act proactively.
The KEFFES Trust issued a seven-day ultimatum to NEPL to organise a meeting between the Trust’s Board of Trustees and the new contractors. Should the deadline lapse, the communities vowed to demand the immediate evacuation of all contractors and vessels from OMLs 86 and 88 within 14 days, or risk a total shutdown of operations.
The letter was copied to several government authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and NEPL’s Executive Director of Business Services.
“We are indeed exhausted of the back-and-forth movement of things when it comes to the KEFFES communities’ security vessels contract,” the letter read.
“We urge you to act decisively and responsibly within the stipulated timeframe to ensure the continuity of peace and prosperity in the KEFFES Host Communities. A stitch in time saves nine,” the letter concluded.
Earlier in April, The PUNCH had reported the faceoff between both parties, and it has remained unresolved. Bayelsa is one major oil-producing states, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s crude oil output.
The standoff also underscores the broader tensions between host communities and oil companies, especially as international oil firms divest from onshore and shallow water operations, leaving state-owned and local operators to navigate complex community relations.
Attempts to get a response from the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, on the issue were unsuccessful as he didn’t respond to enquiries.
