Alleged Exclusion: Urhobo Ethnic Nationality Warns Federal Govt, IOCs

By Naija Enquirer Staff

The Urhobo Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government and international oil companies (IOCs), declaring that it will no longer tolerate what it described as deliberate, systematic and oppressive exclusion of its people from the management and administration of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

The grievances, according to the group, are closely linked to recent appointments into key regulatory agencies in the oil and gas industry, particularly the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In a strongly worded statement, the group accused the Federal Government of hypocrisy in the implementation of Nigeria’s content development policy, alleging violations of existing laws and policies guiding the petroleum industry.

Statement by Urhobo Leaders

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Urhobo Palace Representatives on Oil and Gas (UPROG) following consultations among traditional rulers of the 24 Urhobo kingdoms.

The statement was signed by the Chairman of UPROG, Olorogun Wilson Ejeben, and the Secretary, Dr Igho Egbi.

According to the leaders, they were “filled with utter dismay and consternation” over what they described as the exclusion of qualified Urhobo sons and daughters from strategic positions in regulatory agencies.

“The Urhobo people have carefully followed recent developments in the oil and gas sector, and what we see is a deliberate sidelining of our people from leadership, management and governance structures,” the statement read.

The leaders further alleged that the composition of the newly constituted boards and management of NUPRC and NMDPRA “once again reflects a persistent pattern of exclusion” of Urhobo professionals.

Allegations Against Oil Companies

The Urhobo leaders also criticised oil companies operating in Urhobo oil-bearing communities, accusing both local and international operators of exploiting resources while offering little in return.

“Equally concerning is the disrespectful but tiring conduct of both local and international oil companies operating within Urhobo land. These companies continue to exploit resources in our communities with little or no consideration for Urhobos in meaningful employment opportunities, contract awards or capacity development for qualified indigenes,” the statement said.

They argued that neither the spirit nor the letter of laws governing the oil and gas sector — including policies aimed at developing indigenous capacity in oil-producing areas — were being observed in decisions affecting the Urhobo nation.

“The Federal Government cannot in one breath declare a Nigerian content development policy and in another breath jettison Urhobo content, as clearly manifested in recent appointments into boards, commissions and agencies in the oil and gas sector,” the leaders added.

Contribution to National Oil Output

The group emphasised that Urhobo land plays a significant role in Nigeria’s oil production and should not be marginalised.

“With over 350 oil wells, more than 15 flow stations and 12 oil and gas fields, the Urhobo nation contributes about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total oil production,” the statement said.

They insisted that such a contribution warranted fair representation in the governance and administration of the petroleum industry.

Demands and Warning

Consequently, the Urhobo people demanded immediate corrective action from the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and relevant regulatory authorities.

“We therefore demand an immediate reversal of the marginalisation and exclusion of Urhobos from the strategic management and administration of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The leaders also called on oil companies and servicing firms to urgently review their engagement with Urhobo communities, particularly in employment practices, contract awards and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

They warned that patience in Urhobo land was rapidly wearing thin.

“Let it be on record that the Urhobo people are now prepared to take their destiny into their hands. Our youths and women are particularly worried and are determined to cause a ripple if no serious action is taken by the authorities concerned,” the statement concluded.