Stakeholders of Kula community in Akuku-Toru Local Government area of Rivers State have called on multinational oil company Shell to fulfill longstanding development promises before resuming operations with respect to the re-entry of Oil-Mining Licence OML-25.
Speaking after a crucial meeting held on Friday with Shell, regulatory authorities, and local government representatives, the spokeswoman of OML25 communities, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, emphasized that the delay in reopening Shell’s OML25 facility is not the fault of the communities but rather a result of Shell’s failure to meet agreements made over the years.
“We are ready for Shell to move in for operations immediately, provided they carry out all the agreed terms,” Sara-Igbe said.
“However, we will not accept anything less than the community development we have been promised.”
The meeting, which included representatives from Kula, Ofoin-Ama, Belema, and other surrounding communities, focused on the 8-point agreement made with Belemaoil, a local partner, which outlines key development goals, including employment, infrastructure, and healthcare. Sara-Igbe stressed that despite decades of oil production—over 200,000 barrels per day for more than 60 years—local communities have seen no tangible benefits, including roads, hospitals, electricity, or water.
“The people of Kula and surrounding communities have suffered long enough. Shell has failed to deliver on its promises, and now we are demanding that they sign a Purchase Order (PO) with Belemaoil to ensure our people get the jobs, training, and community services we deserve,” he said.
The Kingdom also called for a firm commitment to an operation and maintenance contract between Shell and Belemaoil, with provisions for local participation in security and community development. “We are not troublemakers, but we will not allow Shell to continue operating without fulfilling its promises,” Sara-Igbe added.
While the communities have agreed to provide security for the facility, this is contingent on Shell’s compliance with the development agreements. The spokesperson further warned that if these terms are not met, Shell should not return to OML25.
The local stakeholders also made it clear that any new operators entering the region should take responsibility for Shell’s existing liabilities, with Belemaoil given the first right of refusal if Shell decides to divest from the asset.
Sara-Igbe concluded by expressing hope that the ongoing dialogue would lead to the long-awaited development of the region, ensuring that the oil wealth of OML25 benefits the local people and not just the corporate interests involved.
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