21 Days To Act: Tension As Abiala Community Youth Threaten To Shut Down Elcrest E&P Over Unmet Demands

Tension is currently brewing in Abiala community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, as youths threatened to shut down operations at Elcrest E&P Nigeria Limited unless their demands are met within 21 days.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (httpt://bigpenngr.com) gathers that the development following alleged claim of neglect of the community during recent dredging activities by the oil firm which operates the Abiala field, a development which they said led to huge economic losses for indigenes and residents of the area.

The youths, in a protest letter addressed to the Managing Director of Elcrest E&P Nigeria Limited, signed by Felix Jemigbeyi as President, Difference Emmanuel, Vice President and Touwemi Jorues, PRO 1, Raphael Tori, PRO 2, respectively, and made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, accused the oil firm of undermining their peaceful disposition.

President of the Abiala Community Youth Executive Committee, Felix Jemigbeyi, in the letter, which was also copied to relevant security agencies including the Inspector General of Police, the DSS, the Commander, Army Base, Koko, Warri North LGA, Delta State among others, declared; “We will no longer tolerate being sidelined”.

“It is unacceptable that despite our peaceful disposition, our simple requests for job opportunities and fair compensation remain ignored.”

The community mentioned its demands to the oil firm, to include a commitment to ensure 60% of unskilled and 40% of skilled employment opportunities from Elcrest’s operations go to the community youth. 

Besides, they are demanding that all non-technical contracts be awarded to Abiala’s indigenous contractors and fair compensation for landowners affected by the company’s dredging activities.

Vice President of the youth group, Mr. Difference Emmanuel, said; “The lives and livelihoods of our people have suffered due to the operations of Elcrest E&P.

According to him; “We are not against the company pursuing its business goals; however, as the host community, we expect to benefit from the resources taken from our land.”In the protest letter, the youth expressed disappointment at the company’s perceived indifference. 

“It is shocking that despite multiple communications and clear explanations of our situation, your company has failed to acknowledge our legitimate demands,” the letter stated.

Elcrest E&P’s controversial history, including a catastrophic explosion in 2020 that shut down production, further complicates their operations in the Niger Delta. The community fears that their continued neglect could provoke a response that might affect overall oil production in Nigeria.

The community’s lawyer, Eric K. Omare, reiterated their demands, emphasizing that compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) does not absolve Elcrest E&P from providing job opportunities and compensations owed to the community. 

“Your obligations under the PIA do not negate the necessity for fair employment practices and community engagement,” Omare asserted.

The oil firm had in a letter dated the 29th day of January, 2025, asserted that they had complied with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) but Omare noted that the claims were unfounded as Elcrest has not yet established the Host Community Development Trust required by the PIA, which undermines the company’s claims of compliance.

He also clarified that while the PIA governs host community relationships, it does not specifically address employment and contracting opportunities, which are central to the community’s demands.

The letter emphasized that compliance with the PIA does not exempt Elcrest from fulfilling other legal obligations to the community.

The Warri-based lawyer further noted that the youth representatives have not been included in the governance structures set up by Elcrest, which violates regulations promoting youth participation in community development.

Meanwhile, the youth, in the letter, made it clear: if their requests are not addressed within the stipulated time frame, they are prepared to take drastic measures against the oil firm. 

“This isn’t just about our demands anymore; it’s about our dignity as a community,” Jemigbeyi added.

The letter further reads; “We consider your blatant refusal to comply with our simple demands, despite peacefully carrying on your business without any interference from us as an act of provocation and a slap on us as a community.

“We had thought that you would tread the path of peace and harmonious co-existence with us as a community but, it seems we are wrong. We will no longer condone your neglect of our community and refusal to give us our due benefits as a host community.

“In the light of the above, we, the Abiala Community Youth, give you; Elcrest E & P Nigeria Limited, 21 (twenty days) from the receipt of this letter to yield to our demands as encapsulated above or risk the shutting down of your facilities in our community”, the letter warned.