Delta Communities Petition NIWA Over Night Oil Vessel Operations

Coastal communities in Burutu Local Government Area have petitioned federal authorities over hazardous and unlawful nighttime crude oil transport by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO).

In a formal petition to the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the twenty-two communities, under the Egrangbene Federated umbrella, allege that SEEPCO’s night operations along the Ramos River have led to boat collisions, destruction of fishing equipment, and the collapse of their fishing-based economy. The communities, represented by the legal firm O.C. Nanakumoh & Co., have urged NIWA to intervene immediately and halt the night movements, citing violations of the NIWA Act and maritime regulations.

They also report incidents of harassment by security personnel linked to the company.

Fishing, the main source of income for residents, typically takes place at night, and community leaders say the ongoing operations have left families impoverished and traumatised.

SEEPCO is said to have told community members during a security meeting in March that it had NIWA’s approval to operate at night, though existing maritime laws reportedly prohibit such movements.

The petition questions whether night sailing of crude vessels has been officially legalised and whether SEEPCO has received formal authorisation. It also raises concerns about the protection of constitutional rights to life and dignity.

Neither SEEPCO nor NIWA have responded to the allegations.