oml-25: The oil-rich communities of Kula Kingdom in Rivers State have sent a clear message to the new operators of the OML-25 oil facility — no oil will flow until a binding agreement is signed.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt, leaders of Kula, Belema, Offoin-Ama, and Ngeje communities said they would not allow Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings to resume operations without first addressing issues of neglect and hardship that lasted over six decades under Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Shell had operated in the area for 67 years before divesting the oil block, following a prolonged standoff with the host communities. The residents say Shell left behind deep scars — environmental pollution, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and unfulfilled promises. Now, they want the new operator to do things differently.
Elder statesman and Kula leader, His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe, stressed that Renaissance must take responsibility for Shell’s unfinished business. “They must implement the 2019 agreement involving Shell, the host communities, NNPC, and the federal government. We suffered for too long — no jobs, no roads, no schools, and a polluted environment,” he said.
The communities are calling for a legally binding agreement that will guarantee development, transparency, and community empowerment. They want separate, targeted talks with the new operator to ensure their demands are clearly understood and documented.
Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and also a community leader, raised concerns about Renaissance retaining former Shell staff. “This could repeat the same problems we’ve fought to overcome,” he warned. “We want jobs for our youth and real investments in our people.”
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OML-25, which can produce over 45,000 barrels of oil and 103,000 cubic feet of gas daily, has been inactive for more than 15 years due to disputes. While the new operator is eager to restart production, the host communities are standing firm — no deal, no oil.
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