We Can’t Guarantee Flow of Oil, Gas From January 1, Says Delta Community 

Sylvester Idowu in Warri 

Following perceived neglect by relevant development agencies of the federal and state governments as well as international oil companies, the Tisun Community Management Council (TCMC) in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State has threatened to stop oil and gas production in their area from January 1, 2024.

Chairman of TCMC, David Odeli, in a statement issued yesterday, said the people of the oil and gas rich community can no longer guarantee smooth operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited in their area following persistent neglect leading to environmental hazards and health challenges facing their people.

He said the people of Tisun were particularly not happy because the oil rich Warri North community was on the verge of being eroded by ocean surge caused by exploitation of crude oil in the area.

“The federal government should not hope to get sufficient oil and gas production from the swamp operations in Warri North Local Government Area, from January 1, 2024, because there’s obvious tendencies that there’s going to be very serious hostility in the swamp.

“Over the years, there has been nothing to show for the huge resources drawn from Tisun and our neighbouring communities. There are no basic amenities. The environment has been completely destroyed and our people impoverished and can no longer take it,” he said.

Odeli disclosed that every effort to draw the attention of the relevant regulatory authorities and Chevron Nigeria Limited to their plight were rebuffed, noting that the people of Tisun community could no longer tolerate being treated as second class citizens on their land.

“I know the huge expectations on my shoulders from people of Tisun, as leaders in the community. As I write to you, Chevron Nigeria Limited, has denied people of Itsekiri host communities our yearly benefits, including the social benefits we usually get from Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC) despite the approval by Committee Engagement Management Board (CEMB).

“Let’s take a critical look at the agencies responsible for the development of the communities, from the state to the federal level, you will discover that the agencies have no developmental links with the oil and gas bearing communities. The initial agreement and relationship we had with Chevron Nigeria Limited, had gone sour,” he added.