OML40: Opuama, Polobubo Communities, Back ESG's Progress, Reject False Environmental Claims

Leaders of Opuama and Polobubo Communities in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North, Delta State, have reaffirmed their commitment to the progress being made through Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in OML40. 

The leaders also called on media organizations, advocacy groups and regulators to ignore what they described as false and misleading reports issued by a non-governmental organization against NPDC/NEPL and Elcrest, operators of OML40 Assets.

This was made known in separate statements signed by Pumokumo B. Tiemo, Festus Pere Kin, and Hon. Sule E. Austine, Majority Leader, Warri North Local Government Area.

In his statement, Tiemo said any honest assessment on exploration in OML40 must separate legacy pollution and illegal refining from current efforts to stabilize and develop the host communities.

According to him “Serious contamination in our creeks and groundwater has been documented in the past, especially the era when Shell Nigeria operated the facility and during the height of illegal local refining,”

“Our people have lived with that reality for years. But it is misleading to ignore the progress that is being made today or to publish allegations that are not backed by proper engagement with those of us who actually live in these communities.”

He noted, “ Research has already confirmed significant hydrocarbon pollution in OPUAMA’S groundwater linked to repeated crude oil spills over many years, and independent work has shown the destructive effects of artisanal refining and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta. This mixed history requires careful and responsible reporting, not simplified blame, as spills and damage caused by past operators or illegal local refineries cannot be imposed on NPDC/NEPL and Elcrest, new operators of OML40 Assets”.

According to Tiemo, “ Our communities do not know and have not mandated the NGO that recently issued public claims about OML40. Those statements were not developed with our recognised leaders or structures in Opuama and Polobubo. And it does not reflect the reality on ground. We welcome sincere advocacy, but we cannot accept narratives that misinform the public about what is happening here today.”

“ The real turning point in OML40 has been the practical implementation of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles through partnership between the current operators and credible local leadership. Respected traditional and community leaders from Egbema Kingdom and Polobubo understand both the culture of our people and the realities of oil operations”

“ Our leaders have pushed for development that is rooted in the needs of Opuama, Polobubo and neighbouring communities, while maintaining peace and dialogue with the companies.. The new operators, NPDC/NEPL and Elcrest have delivered and executed projects in the host and he surrounding communities”

“ The projects executed in Opuama and Aza-Ama Zion, were a concrete jetty, Two-bedroom residential flats, fully furnished cottage hospital with medical equipment, Staff quarters, perimeter fencing, Solar system and generator, rehabilitation of Oloduwa Primary School, Doctors’ staff quarters, and a 400 metre walkway within Opuama”

“ Also, projects executed in Polubobo, were multiple two-bedroom residential flats, 3 civic centres at Ogono-Ama Primary School and , Kabe Secondary School, dredging of Polobubo/Tsekelewu waterways with phases 1 to 3 already completed and survey work for phase 4 ongoing on the creeks.

“ Direct electrification in progress, water project about to commence. These Electrification, school buildings, jetties, walkways, hospital facilities, dredged waterways and water projects are not theories. They are projects our people can see and use, an evidence of ESG outcomes that matters to us

 “ Let me emphasize on role of Origin Global Nigeria Limited as a key local partner in improving security and reducing environmental damage in the OML40 corridor. Public records identify Origin Global as a Nigerian oil and gas services company, that has worked with the joint venture to tackle illegal refining and pipeline vandalism, contributing to a gradual recovery of aquatic life and creating significant employment for local residents.

“Illegal refineries and vandalism have caused massive environmental harm in our area. Work to shut down those activities is an ESG action in itself because it reduces ongoing pollution. Many of our people now have work and engagement through legitimate operations instead of being pushed toward illegal activities.

 “We in Opuama and Polobobo know when there are spillages, we know the history of those incidents and we have never shied away from doing what is necessary. Our focus now is to consciously implement ESG in a way that protects our land and waters, supports our people and gives responsible investors confidence that they are dealing with organized, accountable communities.

“The host communities intend to deepen their role in ESG design and implementation with companies and government. Plans are underway for a skills acquisition centre in the Opuama and Polobobo area to serve indigenous youths and neighbouring communities, building on existing projects in health, education, security and infrastructure.

“With the right support, we can make OML40 a model of how ESG should work in practice. We have seen what happens when communities are ignored, and we are now seeing the benefits when communities are at the centre of planning. Our message to Nigeria and the world is simple. Work with us on the basis of evidence, respect and partnership, and the results will speak for themselves.”

Meanwhile, Festus Pere Kin, an Ambassador of Peace and leader in Polobubo Community reaffirmed Tiemo’s position, noting that they welcomed sincere environmental advocacy but cautioned against exaggeration.

“As leaders from these communities, we support any genuine call for cleanup and justice. At the same time, we must be accurate. To the best of our knowledge there are currently no confirmed or officially recorded deaths in Opuama or Polobubo that can be directly linked to the recent incidents some NGOs have described. Any such claims must be supported by verifiable medical and regulatory evidence before they are repeated in the media.”

Also, Hon. Sule E. Austin, Majority Leader, Warri North Local Government Area, and a respected community leader from Opuama, said, “As someone who lives with the daily realities in Opuama, I can confirm that the direction we are taking now is one of dialogue, development and shared responsibility,”

“We know our environment, we know the history of spills in this area, and we will always rise and address them when they occur. What we will not do is impose spills caused by past operators or by illegal local refineries and pipeline vandalism on the new operators who are working with us to improve conditions.”

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