Itsekiri Group Cautions Chevron on Fueling Unrest in Warri

The Itsekiri Interest Group has accused Chevron Nigeria Limited for the escalating unrest in Warri Federal Constituency, accusing the oil company of ignoring the concerns of local communities and prioritizing the interests of corrupt politicians and self-serving community leaders.

At a press conference held on Monday, November 25, in Warri, Chairman of the group, Gbubemi Awala warned that Chevron’s actions were pushing vulnerable, unemployed youths into illegal activities, including pipeline vandalism and oil theft, as a desperate means of survival.

Awala further emphasized that Chevron would be held fully accountable for any environmental damage, particularly oil spills, that result from its operations in the region. He also called out the company for disregarding Nigeria’s local content laws by failing to hire more workers from the host communities, as required by law.

The Itsekiri Interest Group also criticised Chevron for its long-standing practice of funneling unfair contracts and kickbacks to certain community leaders, thereby denying local residents the opportunity to benefit from the company’s operations.

“We see right through the so-called community leaders that you are collaborating with,” Awala said, accusing them of exploiting the situation for personal gain. “The era of divide and rule is over. We will no longer tolerate this. If you refuse to do what is right, the Itsekiri people, your hosts, will drag you around the world.”

Awala made it clear that Chevron’s actions would no longer be tolerated and urged the company to align its operations with corporate social responsibility principles, the Local Content Act, and fair treatment of the host communities.

“The time for silence is over. We will hold Chevron accountable for its actions, and we expect the company to adhere to both national and international standards governing the oil and gas sector. This is no longer business as usual,” he said.

Awala concluded with a call on Chevron to maintain its reputation by adhering to both national and international standards governing the oil and gas sector.