KEFFES Host Communities Threaten Production Shutdown Against Contractor

The KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) has issued a stern warning to NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), demanding immediate action over what they describe as the nonchalant attitude of Pennington Production Limited and its security vessel contractors towards the host communities.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to NEPL’s executive director of Production and Asset Management, and signed by chairman of the KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust, Chief Tuduo Christopher, the Hostcom detailed a series of grievances stemming from NEPL’s handling of the security vessel contracts for the OML 86 and 88 operational fields.

The contracts, traditionally considered “community service contracts,” were allegedly reassigned to external contractors without prior consultation or approval from the host communities, sparking tensions and distrust.

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The KEFFES communities claim that despite several meetings and assurances, the newly appointed contractors — Multiplan Nigeria Limited and EDEMX — have shown little willingness to engage or cooperate with local stakeholders. Meetings held between April and May failed to resolve the impasse, and local leaders now say their patience has run out.

In the letter, Chief Christopher cited Section 257(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, warning that the situation risks escalating into acts of vandalism, sabotage, or civil unrest that could disrupt production activities. The letter explicitly states, “Please note that if this happens, this letter serves as official notice and may be used as evidence of your failure to resolve this issue amicably.”

The KEFFES HCDT has given NEPL a seven-day ultimatum to convene an urgent meeting between the Trust’s Board of Trustees and the new contractors. If the deadline is missed, they threaten to demand the evacuation of all contractors and vessels from the OML 86 and 88 operational fields within fourteen days — or risk a complete shutdown of operations.

The communities also raised concerns about outstanding invoice payments dating back to 2023, arguing that these unpaid sums have placed enormous strain on local contractors and their ability to support over 250 direct and 400 indirect beneficiaries. According to the letter, “The vessels are not merely assets but are regarded as monuments of peace,” underscoring the broader social and economic impact of the contracts on the communities.

. It was also copied to key national authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja; the Commission chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in Abuja; executive director of Business Services at NNPC E&P Limited in Benin City; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

The group urged NEPL to recognise the seriousness of the situation and take swift, decisive action. “We are indeed exhausted of the back-and-forth movement of things when it comes to the KEFFES communities’ security vessels contract,” it reads. “We urge you to act decisively and responsibly within the stipulated time frame to ensure the continuity of peace and prosperity in the KEFFES Host Communities. A stitch in time saves nine.”