OML 29: Protesting Nembe Community vacate oil facility in Bayelsa

Hundreds of protesting indigenes of Nembe who barricaded access to the Nembe Creek oilfields have vacated the facility following commencement of talks between them and the operator of the field.

The host community had blocked the premises of the Nembe Logistics base over allegations of neglect of social obligations by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company.

In a statement made available in Yenagoa on Monday, Mr Ndiana Mathew, Spokesman for Aiteo confirmed that the aggrieved protesters have vacated the company facility while their representatives continued discussions with the oil firm.

He restated the commitment of the oil firm to the development of its host communities and urged the communities to be patient as the oil firm was already addressing the development needs of Nembe people in a holistic manner.

“Following protracted engagement with them, they agreed to disband, while leaving behind representatives to present their demands to the company.

“It is instructive that this development is coinciding with the resumption of operations of the NCTL.

“These disturbances disrupt our operations and lead to production deferment which affects not just the company but revenues accruing to the government and people of Nigeria. 

“Aiteo reiterates her commitment to continuing to work with her host communities to achieve an amicable relationship.

“Moreover, the Nembe Community provides most of the supply, logistics and security contracts going into our local operations.

“Apart from encouraging community participation in this manner, the company has, in addition, continued to provide considerable amenities and services directly to the community in a most beneficial and impactful way.

“Hence, we remain open and are committed to constructive dialogue for the development of both the nation and the community.

“It takes several layers of engagement to get key deliverables to the community as the asset is operated under a joint venture with NNPC, therefore, key decisions must be made upon due consultation with all stakeholders,” Aiteo stated.

It would be recalled that Aiteo had on Friday resumed oil exports from the 97 kilometer Nembe Creek Trunk Line following repairs of the vandalized pipeline by suspected oil thieves on April 21, 2019.

The breach on the 150,000 barrels per day Nembe-Bonny export line had compelled Aiteo to declare ‘Force Majeure’ on oil exports from the facility.

The Force Majeure was lifted on May 3 after the leak was fixed and the facility resumed normal operations.

Force Majeure is a legal clause that absolves a firm from liabilities from failure to meet contractual obligations due to circumstances outside its control.