Host communities of OML-25 in Kula Kingdom, within the Akuku-Toru Local Government area, are calling for a binding agreement with the new operator of the oil facility before oil production can restart in the region. The demand follows Shell’s recent divestment of the oil asset to Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings amid ongoing disputes regarding neglect and economic hardship faced by the communities over the past 65 years.
During a stakeholders’ engagement session, representatives from the Kula host communities—namely Belema, Offoin-Ama, Ingeje, and Kula main town—made it clear that they expect the new operator to accept responsibility for the liabilities inherited from Shell before any operational activities can continue.
Prominent stakeholder Anabs Sara-Igbe addressed journalists, specifying that part of these liabilities includes the non-implementation of the 2019 Agreement between Shell, the host communities, the Federal Government, NNPC, and Belemaoil.
Sara-Igbe stated, “We want to ensure that the new operator understands their obligations and responsibilities, particularly the legacy issues left by the previous operator.”
Another important voice, Sukubo Sara-Igbe, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, added that providing employment opportunities for local youth is a non-negotiable precondition for resuming oil production in Kula.
Community members have expressed their concerns, urging the new operator to approach the community with sincerity and not to attempt to sidestep critical issues. The residents emphasized the importance of addressing historical grievances to foster a productive working relationship moving forward.
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