Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Youths in Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Newcross Exploration and Production Limited to halt ongoing drilling operations at Awoba NorthWest oil wells C, D, and E over alleged non-compliance with corporate social responsibility, CSR, and financial obligations to the host community.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Managing Director of Newcross, the youths accused the oil firm and its partner, NNPC Limited, of neglecting their fiduciary duties and failing to engage with the community before embarking on the drilling of three new wells.
The petition, signed by Barr. Dappa Dakoru Daniel on behalf of the Bille Kingdom Concerned Youths, alleged that the company has consistently ignored key provisions of the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, which mandates host community engagement and development.
“There has been no proper consultation or agreement with the people of Bille Kingdom regarding the drilling of these new wells. The community has no liaison officers involved in the ongoing operations,” the petition read.
The youths further claimed that despite years of oil exploration in the area, Newcross has failed to deliver meaningful development projects, provide employment for indigenes, or fulfill its financial obligations to the host community.
The group highlighted major grievances against the company to include, unpaid operational royalties, non-compliance with CSR and neglect of indigenous workforce.
“There are no infrastructure projects, social welfare programs, or any visible benefits to the Bille people despite the wealth generated from our land,” the petition stated.
“Our skilled youths have been completely sidelined. There is no fair inclusion of Bille professionals in the ongoing operations,” they added.
“The company has blatantly disregarded its financial obligations to the host community, failing to remit agreed payments in line with industry standards,” the petition claimed.
Citing continued marginalization, the Bille youths have demanded an immediate suspension of operations at the Awoba drilling sites until proper engagement, negotiations, and settlement of obligations are carried out.
“Failure to comply with this demand will leave us with no choice but to explore all legal, civil, and community-driven actions to protect our interests,” the petition warned.
The letter was also copied to the Department of State Services, DSS, in Port Harcourt, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
As of the time of filing this report, Newcross Exploration and Production Limited has yet to respond to the allegations or issue a statement on the ultimatum. However, community sources suggest that the tension could escalate if the company fails to engage with the host community soon.
