Tisun, a community in Warri north area of Delta State, has warned that there may be a drop in oil and gas production from January 1, 2024, over perceived neglect and lack of development in the community.
Chairman of the Community Management Council, David Odeli, who alerted the Federal Government of their plight in a statement, accused Chevron Nigeria Limited of denying them of their yearly benefits.
Odeli, who noted that the people were embittered, added that the community was on the verge of being eroded by ocean surge and exploitation of crude oil by Chevron.
He also accused federal and state government agencies responsible for developing oil producing communities of failing in their duties.
“The Federal Government should not hope to get sufficient oil and gas production from the swamp operations in Warri North Local Government Area, from January 1, 2024, because there’s obvious tendencies that there’s going to be very serious hostility in the swamp,” he said.
“Over the years, there has been nothing to show for the huge resources drawn from Tisun and our neighbouring communities, there are no basic amenities, the environment has been completely destroyed and our people impoverished.
“I know the huge expectations on my shoulders from the people of Tisun, as leaders in the community. As I speak to you (in telephone chat) Chevron Nigeria Limited, has denied people of Itsekiri host communities our yearly benefits, including the social benefits we usually get from Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC), despite the approval by Committee Engagement Management Board (CEMB).”
“Let’s take a critical look at the agencies responsible for the development of the communities, from the state to the federal level, you will discover that the agencies have no developmental links with the oil and gas bearing communities. The initial agreement and relationship we had with Chevron Nigeria Limited, had gone sour.”
