Ifiekporo Shuts Down Chevron Oil Wells, Seeks Host Community Recognition

Operations at Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Wells 24 and 25 in Macaraba oil field of Delta State, have been disrupted following a protest by Ifiekporo community over alleged denial of its host community status and development benefits.

The community staged a peaceful protest on October 20, demanding formal recognition as the host community to the two oil wells, which it said are located on its ancestral land.

Protesters arrived at the oil field in speedboats with placards insisting that Chevron recognise their community and fulfil its obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“Chevron, you can’t operate in our community and refuse to recognise Ifiekporo Community as host,” one of the placards read.

The protesters accused the oil multinational of failing to provide the community with benefits due to it, including corporate social responsibility initiatives and other development opportunities.

They maintained that the previous operator, Gulf Oil Nigeria Limited, had recognised Ifiekporo as the host community, urging Chevron to follow the same precedent.

The community warned that operations at the two oil wells would remain shut until its demands were addressed, while calling on Delta State Government and relevant security agencies to intervene to prevent an escalation of the dispute.

In a separate allegation, the community claimed that Ijaw youths from neighbouring Makaraba had mobilised in two speedboats during the protest, allegedly intending to attack the demonstrators.

Ifiekporo insisted that its protest was peaceful, saying its members maintained decorum and showed respect for workers and security personnel at the location.

The community also warned against any attempt to take over its ancestral territory, insisting that the dispute should be resolved through lawful means.