Nigeria?s struggling oil production may face another crisis as communities in the oil-rich region, yesterday, threatened to shut down oil production in the next 14 days.

Host communities under the KEFFES region of Bayelsa State issued a 14-day ultimatum to NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (EPL) to reverse a controversial decision regarding security vessel contracts at oil fields OMLs 86 and 88, warning that failure to do so would result in a complete shutdown of oil operations.

Last February, Nigeria?s crude oil production declined to an average of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) from January?s 1.737 million bpd.

A letter obtained by The Guardian conveying the warning was dated March 28, 2025, and signed by the Chairman, Christopher Tuduo (Ezetu 1); Dr. Amakiri Ngozi (Fishtown), Tuadei Alex C. (Ezetu 2), Mr. Aneri Ebimene (Ekeni), Ileberi Ebiwei (Koluama 2), Thankgod Bunafigha (Koluama 1), Saighe Martins (Ezetu 2), Ekemeghuesuotei Sese (Foropa) and Uroh Kiani (Sangana).

The dispute arose after Pennington Production Limited, a subsidiary of NNPC and operator of the fields, terminated the contract of Multiplan Nigeria Limited, a community-nominated security contractor, and reduced the number of community security vessels from three to two, one of which has now been awarded to a contractor unknown to the host communities.

Pennington Production Limited is the operator of OML 86 and 88, a field divested by Chevron to NNPCL in the coastal line of Bayelsa hosting eight communities.

The communities condemned the move as a breach of long-standing agreements and an act that threatens the peace and stability in the region. They stressed that the security vessels were originally provided by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in 2007 as part of efforts to curb unrest and ensure security in the oil fields, which had been plagued by crises before then.

The letter reminded NEPL that during its 2021 takeover of OMLs 86 and 88 from Chevron, it had agreed to inherit all existing liabilities and contracts, including the security vessel agreements.

According to the communities, the vessels are community-owned assets, and any change to the contract must have their approval.

The letter reads: ?KHCDT is demanding the immediate reinstatement of all three security vessel contracts, full payment of outstanding invoices from 2024, and an urgent meeting with NEPL?s management within seven days to resolve the issue.?

The communities vowed, if these demands were not met within 14 days, to mobilise all resources necessary to shut down production at OMLs 86 and 88 until their grievances are addressed. (THE GUARDIAN)

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