Urhobo Nation Warns Federal Govt, IOCs Over ‘Deliberate Exclusion’

The Urhobo Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta has warned the federal government and oil companies that it would no longer accept “deliberate, systematic and oppressive exclusion” of its people from the management and administration of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

The grievances may not be unrelated to the recent appointments to key regulatory agencies in the oil and gas industry, particularly the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The group faulted the federal government for what it called hypocrisy in the implementation of Nigerian content policy, a violation of existing laws and policies guiding the petroleum industry.

The group warned that patience in Urhobo land was wearing thin. “Let it be on record that the Urhobo people are now prepared to take their destiny into their hands. Our youths and women are particularly worried and are determined to cause a ripple if no serious action is taken by the authorities concerned”

The allegation was contained in a strongly worded statement issued by Urhobo Palace Representatives on Oil and Gas (UPROG), following consultations among traditional rulers of the 24 Urhobo kingdoms.

The statement was signed by the Chairman, Olorogun Wilson Ejeben, and Secretary, Dr Igho Egbi, on behalf of UPROG, lamenting they were “filled with utter dismay and consternation” over exclusion from regulatory agencies.

According to them, the composition of the newly constituted boards and management of the two agencies “once again reflects a persistent pattern of exclusion of qualified Urhobo sons and daughters from strategic decision-making positions.”

“The Urhobo people have carefully followed recent developments in the oil and gas sector, and what we see is a deliberate sidelining of our people from leadership, management and governance structures,” the statement read.

The leaders also took a swipe at oil companies operating in Urhobo oil-bearing communities, accusing them of exploiting the area while giving little back.

“Equally concerning is the disrespectful but tiring conduct of both local and international oil companies operating within Urhobo land. These companies continue to exploit resources in our communities with little or no consideration for Urhobos in meaningful employment opportunities, contract awards or capacity development for qualified indigenes.”

“It is more worrisome when it is borne in mind that neither the spirit nor the letters of the laws governing the oil and gas sector, including the much-touted policy of deliberate development of indigenous people of oil-producing areas, are observed when decisions affecting the Urhobo nation are taken,” the statement added.

“The Federal Government cannot in one breath declare a Nigerian content development policy and in another breath jettison Urhobo content, as clearly manifested in recent appointments into boards, commissions and agencies in the oil and gas sector,” the leaders said.

They emphasised that the contribution of Urhobo land to Nigeria’s oil production was substantial and could not be overlooked.

“With over 350 oil wells, more than 15 flow stations and 12 oil and gas fields, the Urhobo nation contributes about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total oil production,” they said, insisting that such a contribution deserved fair representation.

Consequently, the Urhobo people demanded immediate action from the authorities, including the federal government and NNPCL.

“We therefore demand an immediate reversal of the marginalisation and exclusion of Urhobos from the strategic management and administration of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria,” the statement said.

They called on the federal government, relevant ministries and regulatory agencies to “take urgent corrective steps to redress the injustice done to the Urhobo people over the years.”

The leaders also urged oil companies and servicing firms to review their relationship with Urhobo communities.

“All critical stakeholders in the petroleum industry must recalibrate their engagement, employment practices and corporate social responsibilities towards Urhobo people in order to ensure that our people are deservedly treated and peace is maintained.

“Let it be on record that the Urhobo people are now prepared to take their destiny into their hands. Our youths and women are particularly worried and are determined to cause a ripple if no serious action is taken by the authorities concerned,” they warned.