Protesters Shut 13 Oil Flow Stations in Delta, Threatening 400,000 Barrels Per Day Output

Hundreds of protesters demanding the implementation of a disputed ward delineation report have shut down 13 oil flow stations in Delta State, disrupting operations at major facilities and threatening as much as 400,000 barrels of Nigeria’s daily crude production.

The shutdown began on Monday across communities in the Warri Federal Constituency. The affected facilities — operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Chevron Nigeria Limited and Nestoil/Neconde — cover Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye, Makaraba, Olero Creek, Dibi Field and Opuekeba.

Workers have been prevented from accessing the sites. Protesters have also blocked the movement of supplies through waterways serving the oil companies, further squeezing production. Industry sources said the 13 facilities account for roughly 400,000 barrels per day — a significant portion of Nigeria’s daily output.

INEC delineation at the centre of the standoff

The dispute traces back to a 2022 Supreme Court judgement ordering a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency. INEC conducted the exercise and presented its final report to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20. But the report has since deepened tensions among Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri groups, each with a significant stake in the constituency.

Some Ijaw and Urhobo leaders have alleged that influential interests from the Itsekiri ethnic group — where the President’s wife hails from — are working to block implementation. The delineation report would determine ward boundaries and polling units, directly affecting political representation in the area ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking for the protesters, Maria Ebike said the community had waited patiently for authorities to act and would continue the shutdown until INEC implemented the report.

“We have waited patiently for the authorities to do the right thing. Since they continue to ignore our voices, we have no option but to demand justice through peaceful protests. No implementation of the ward delineation, no oil production,” she said.

Placards carried at the sites called on INEC to implement the approved state constituencies it presented in Asaba on May 20, and warned that oil production would remain halted until the report was enforced. If the standoff continues, it could affect Nigeria’s oil production targets, export commitments and government revenues.

Sources: Premium Times, Asaba Metro, The Sun, HeadTopics