Host communities of the OML-25 oil block in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, are insisting on a binding agreement with the new operator, Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings, before oil production resumes.
OML-25, a strategic asset in the Niger Delta oil production landscape, was previously operated by Shell and produced over 45,000 barrels of crude oil and 103,000 cubic feet of gas per day. However, operations have remained suspended for more than 15 years due to long-standing disputes between Shell and the local communities.
Shell recently divested from OML-25, transferring ownership to Renaissance following community-led resistance over what locals described as decades of neglect and marginalization.
Speaking shortly after a stakeholder engagement in Port Harcourt on Thursday, representatives of Kula, Belema, Offoin-Ama, and Ngeje communities emphasized that Renaissance must inherit Shell’s liabilities and commit to a legally binding agreement before any oil exploration resumes.
“We need a separate engagement with the new operator to extract a clear commitment, so history doesn’t repeat itself,”
— Christian Pedro, Kula community leader.
The communities are demanding assurances that the new operator will foster a transparent, inclusive partnership based on community development, environmental protection, and economic empowerment.
Unfulfilled Past Agreements
Elder statesman and respected leader in Kula Kingdom, His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe, referenced the unfulfilled 2019 agreement involving Shell, NNPC, the Federal Government, and Belemaoil.
“The host communities suffer untold hardship, total neglect, deprivation, enslavement, and the worst form of human backwardness for 67 years of Shell’s operation in the area,” he said.
“The new operator must inherit the liabilities of Shell, including the massive unemployment, lack of amenities, and environmental pollution left behind.”
Concerns Over Shell Staff Retention
National Youth Council of Nigeria President, Sukubo Sara-Igbe, who is also a Kula stakeholder, expressed deep concerns about Renaissance’s decision to retain staff previously employed by Shell.
“Retaining Shell staff who were complicit in the conflict will only perpetuate a cycle of distrust and conflict,” he warned.
He urged Renaissance to prioritize employment, youth inclusion, and local economic development to avoid repeating past mistakes.
“The new operator must address the age-long menace of youth unemployment to guarantee sustainable oil production in the area,” he added.
No Agreement, No Production
The communities reiterated that without proper engagement and legally enforceable commitments, oil production at OML-25 will remain suspended indefinitely.
Efforts to obtain comments from Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings were unsuccessful, as company officials exited the meeting venue without speaking to the press.