-
Aggrieved youths demand jobs, infrastructure, and local empowerment from NNPC E&P Ltd
-
Community cites environmental degradation and marginalisation despite hosting oil assets
-
Delta State and Federal Government urged to intervene to prevent shutdown
Youths of Opuama community in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, have threatened to shut down operations at the OML 40 oil facility, citing years of neglect and marginalisation by NNPC Exploration & Production Limited.
Led by Comrade Aweh Perejitei, the youths staged a warning protest on Monday to draw attention to decades of deprivation despite the oil wealth extracted from their land.
Perejitei lamented that Opuama remains trapped in poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment, while its environment suffers from pollution and degradation.
He warned that if qualified graduates and skilled youths continue to be excluded from opportunities, the community will have no option but to peacefully halt OML 40 operations.
The protesters outlined key demands, described as basic entitlements rather than luxuries: employment for graduates and youths, potable water supply, educational support including scholarships and learning facilities, full compliance with Nigerian Local Content Law, reliable electricity, access to short-term loans, urgent sand-filling and erosion control, and stable telecommunications infrastructure.
The youths accused NNPC E&P Ltd of failing to fulfil its Corporate Social Responsibility obligations, worsening poverty and frustration within the community.
Opuama, like other Niger Delta host communities, continues to face the paradox of extensive resource extraction alongside persistent neglect.
READ ALSO: Population Commission Denies Plan To Conduct 2025 Census
The group called on the Delta State Government and Federal Government to intervene promptly to prevent a shutdown of OML 40 operations and ensure that host communities benefit from oil wealth.
They stressed that only immediate and deliberate action will restore peace, equity, and development to Opuama.
