Nigerian Content Act/PIA:  Shell, Agip Flouting, Short-Cutting Indigenous Contractors – Youths Council Says

Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) says has commence the  process to occupy Shell and Agip Facilities over what it described as deprivation and oppression of Host Communities in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States. 

Speaking on Monday at a press conference with Journalists in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, the IYC National Spokesman, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, also called  on the Federal Government, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the heads of Security Agencies to call the SPDC to order over the unfair treatment. 

He stated that the council will not hesitate to shut down exploration activities by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and occupy their facilities if the company continues to deprive and oppress indigenous companies and  communities. 

His words: “The Ijaw Nation is once again facing turmoil and outrage due to the deliberate oppression and deprivation inflicted upon the indigenes of host communities by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). Despite being a major crude oil producer in Nigeria and having made sacrifices for peace to prevail, the SPDC and other oil multinationals have shown little regard for the laws that regulate their involvement in the businesses of crude oil exploration and the benefits that should be provided to the people who assist in the security of the nation’s wealth.”

“Indigenous contractors have been stripped of their small jobs, and employment opportunities that should have been given to indigenes of host communities have been given to non-indigenous contractors and the relatives of company staff. This has caused unrest and led to accusations that the SPDC is violating the local content policy.”

“The Ijaw Youths Council is prepared to take action against the SPDC’s actions, including shutting down exploration activities and occupying platforms of affected oil multinationals. 

“They are also calling on the Nigerian Content, Monitoring and Development Board to give the affected contractors the “Right of First Refusal” based on their performance and origin. 

“The Federal Government, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the heads of Security Agencies are being urged to intervene and ensure that the SPDC complies with the laws and regulations governing their involvement in crude oil exploration. Failure to do so may result in regrettable outcomes for the SPDC in the region.“