Apparently tired of endless neglect and empty promises, the people of Isoko land have decided it’s time to take action. Stakeholders across the oil-producing communities are threatening to shut down all oil operations in their region after decades of being ignored by oil companies operating there.
In a statement jointly signed by Erere Okpako and Angela Akpofa for the Isoko Grassroot Mobilizers, the group expressed deep disappointment over the non-implementation of the AIO Host Community Development Trust (AIO HCDT) — which was established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 to develop host communities.
According to the PIA, oil companies are required to contribute 3% of their Operating Expenditure (OPEX) to the Host Community Development Trusts. From this, 75% is meant for infrastructure projects, 20% for investments, and 5% for administrative costs.
But the reality on ground tells another story. As of today, not even the 5% meant for administrative take-off has been released, let alone funds for real development. The frustration among the communities has reached a boiling point, with many calling for a total review of their relationship with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) — operators of OML 26 — and the new players, Sterling Global.
They warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the continued operations of these oil firms in Isoko land can no longer be guaranteed. The AIO HCDT, meant to serve as a beacon of progress, has been crippled by lack of tools, office space, and funding.
Despite several meetings with NEPL in Warri and Ozoro, nothing concrete has come out of them. “We wonder if the PIA is a curse or a blessing,” lamented one community leader who spoke anonymously.
Before the introduction of the PIA, community affairs were handled through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), which many believed the new law would improve. Unfortunately, the reverse seems to be the case.
Even though NEPL communicated to the AIO Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman earlier this month about approving the 5% administrative budget, the account remains unfunded. This has worsened the already tense atmosphere among the host communities.
While youth groups like the Isoko Youth Assembly prepare for a showdown, members of the AIO HCDT board find themselves stuck in the middle — caught between community anger and corporate bureaucracy.
Some insiders within NEPL admit that progress has been slow but appealed for patience and understanding. However, the Isoko stakeholders have made it clear that their patience is running out. “We can no longer allow them to take us for granted,” they warned.
The group called on the government to urgently intervene and prevent what could lead to a total shutdown of oil production — a move that could have serious economic consequences for both the region and the country at large.
