Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s crude oil production faces a fresh threat as hundreds of Ijaw women from Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State shut down nine strategic flow stations, putting an estimated 200,000 barrels per day of oil output at risk over the non-implementation of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ward delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency.
The protest, which spread across key oil and gas facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area, affected major assets operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited and the OML 42 Joint Venture involving NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, NEPL and Neconde Energy Limited.
Among the facilities reportedly shut down are the Abiteye Flow Station, Otunana (Utulala) Flow Station, Jones Creek Flow Station, Egwa I and II Flow Stations, Odidi I and II Flow Stations, Batan Flow Station and Ogbanabou Flow Station.
Industry sources estimated that the affected facilities collectively account for over 200,000 barrels of crude oil production daily, raising concerns over potential disruptions to national oil output and government revenue if the shutdown persists.
The women, supported by youths and community leaders from several host communities, occupied strategic locations within the facilities carrying placards with inscriptions such as “INEC: Implement Warri Delineation Report,” “Court Ordered Judgment on Wards and Polling Units Delineation,” and “No Implementation, No Production.”
The protest follows earlier warnings by Ijaw and Urhobo groups that oil production activities across the Warri Federal Constituency could be disrupted if INEC failed to implement the approved delineation framework ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the protest, Chief Mrs. Maria Ebike accused the electoral commission of delaying the implementation of a process that had already been concluded after extensive consultations with stakeholders.
“We have waited patiently for the authorities to do the right thing. If our voices continue to be ignored, we have no option but to demand justice through peaceful protests. No implementation of the ward delineation, no oil production,” she declared.
Another protest leader, Mrs. Fanty Goodness Owotorufa, said the communities were only demanding the implementation of a process already completed by INEC in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment.
According to her, the communities remain peaceful but determined to ensure the approved report is implemented before the commencement of activities leading to the 2027 elections.
Former Secretary of Benikrukru Community, Dr. Paul Boyitie, questioned why INEC had not implemented the report after presenting the final outcome to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20, 2026.
“The question is: why is INEC refusing to implement its own report? We want to participate fully in the 2027 general elections under the approved delineation structure. Until INEC implements the report, we are not leaving,” Boyitie said.
At the Chevron-operated Otunana Flow Station in Kokodiagbene Community, women protesters maintained a similar position.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Edith Odafe said, “The exercise was conducted peacefully and the result was presented to stakeholders. What we are asking for now is implementation. We have shut down this flow station and we will continue until our demands are met.”
Another community representative, Mrs. Gladys Kele, stressed that the protest was peaceful and aimed solely at securing the implementation of the approved wards and constituencies announced by INEC.
“We don’t want trouble. We don’t want any fight. We are gathered here because the wards allocated to us should be implemented. Nobody should take what belongs to us and nobody should tamper with our rights,” she stated.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the affected oil companies had issued official statements on the development. Security agencies were, however, reported to be monitoring the situation.
The shutdown marks a significant escalation in the dispute over ward delineation and political representation in the Warri Federal Constituency, with growing concerns that a prolonged disruption could undermine efforts to sustain Nigeria’s crude oil production and revenue targets.
