Amid Rivers’ Crisis, Ijaw-Bille Kingdom’s Youths Shut Down OML 24 Oil Rig Operations

Amidst the political crisis brewing in Rivers state, the Concerned Youths of Bille Kingdom, an Ijaw clan located west of Bonny Island and South of Port Harcourt, River State, have halted drilling operations at OML 24’s Awoba North/West wells, citing years of alleged neglect and unfulfilled promises by Newcross Exploration and Production Limited.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) learnt that the youths, led by Dappa Dakoru Daniel, Eqs., claimed in a petition that the company has failed to engage with the host community, provide employment opportunities, and fulfill financial entitlements.

They also accused the oil company of neglecting its corporate social responsibilities and obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The shutdown, which was precipitated by a formal petition issued on March 5, 2025, stems from the community’s deep-seated grievances over Newcross Exploration‘s persistent failure to engage meaningfully with the host community.

The youths had issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding that all operations at the oil wells cease until satisfactory engagement, negotiations, and the fulfillment of obligations are met.

They list some of the ‘sins of Newcross Exploration’ to include; “failure to engage with the host community. Newcross Exploration has not conducted any proper consultations with the people of Bille Kingdom, nor has it appointed liaison officers to foster communication between the community and the company.

“Neglect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). No development projects, welfare programs, or infrastructure have been provided to the community, despite years of resource extraction from the area.

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“Lack of Employment Opportunities. There has been a glaring absence of meaningful employment for the youths and skilled workforce of Bille Kingdom in the ongoing operations at OML 24.

“Non-Payment of Royalties and Financial Entitlements. The company has failed to fulfill its financial obligations to the community, neglecting to pay the necessary royalties and entitlements as per industry standards and the agreements with the host community.

It was gathered that at the expiration of the deadline, the rig operations was shut down reportedly in line with “the community’s rights to safeguard their interests and protect the welfare of its people”.

Dakoru, who spoke on behest of the youths in the petition said; “We have acted decisively to ensure the people of Bille Kingdom are no longer marginalized,”

“We are open to dialogue, but we will not tolerate further disregard for our community’s rightful entitlements.”, he added.

The Bille Kingdom’s youths, however called for an immediate response from Newcross Exploration and Production Limited to address the issues raised and engage in constructive dialogue.

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“We have acted with urgency and in accordance with our rights to ensure that the people of Bille Kingdom are not further marginalized in the face of resource extraction.

“We remain open to dialogue but will not tolerate any further disregard for our community’s needs and entitlements,” Dakoru Daniel said.

They have also urged relevant authorities to intervene to ensure that the community’s rights are respected and upheld.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that Newcross Exploration and Production Limited (NewcrossEP) is an independent domestic Oil and Gas exploration and production company based in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

NewcrossEP was established in 2013 and emerged as the successful bidder of OML 24, acquiring a 45% participating interest in the block hitherto managed under the NNPC/SPDC/TOTAL/NAOC Joint venture arrangement.

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