Facing years of alleged neglect and unfulfilled promises, the Concerned Youths of Bille Kingdom have taken decisive action, halting drilling operations at OML 24’s Awoba North/West wells.
Africa Update reports that this shutdown, led by Barrister Dappa Dakoru Daniel, signals a powerful demand for corporate accountability from Newcross Exploration and Production Limited, citing a lack of community engagement, employment opportunities, and financial entitlement adherence.
It further underscore the community’s frustration with Newcross Exploration and Production Limited’s alleged disregard for its corporate social responsibilities (CSR) and obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The shutdown, precipitated by a formal petition issued on March 5, 2025, reflects the Bille Kingdom’s deep-seated grievances over Newcross Exploration’s persistent failure to engage meaningfully with the host community.
“We have acted decisively to ensure the people of Bille Kingdom are no longer marginalized,” stated Barrister Dappa Dakoru Daniel. “We are open to dialogue, but we will not tolerate further disregard for our community’s rightful entitlements.”
BELOW IS A COPY OF THE PRESS RELEASE SIGHTED BY AFRICA UPDATE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2025
Bille Kingdom Concerned Youths Shutdown Ongoing Rig Operation at OML 24 Awoba North/West Wells C, D, and E
Bille Kingdom, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria.
In a bold and resolute move to protect the rights and welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom, the Concerned Youths of Bille Kingdom, led by Barrister Dappa Dakoru Daniel, have successfully halted the ongoing drilling operations at the Awoba North/West oil wells C, D, and E, located within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 24. The shutdown follows persistent concerns and grievances regarding Newcross Exploration and Production Limited’s non-compliance with its fiduciary and corporate social responsibilities (CSR) to the host community.
In a petition dated March 5, 2025, the Concerned Youths of Bille Kingdom expressed their deep frustration with Newcross Exploration’s continuous neglect of its obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), as well as the standard operating procedures for corporate responsibility and community engagement. Despite the company’s ongoing extraction of resources from the region, the Bille Kingdom community has seen no meaningful development projects, employment opportunities, or fulfillment of financial entitlements.
Key issues outlined in the petition, which led to the immediate halt of the operations, include:
Failure to Engage with the Host Community: Newcross Exploration has not conducted any proper consultations with the people of Bille Kingdom, nor has it appointed liaison officers to foster communication between the community and the company.
Neglect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): No development projects, welfare programs, or infrastructure have been provided to the community, despite years of resource extraction from the area.
Lack of Employment Opportunities: There has been a glaring absence of meaningful employment for the youths and skilled workforce of Bille Kingdom in the ongoing operations at OML 24.
Non-Payment of Royalties and Financial Entitlements: The company has failed to fulfill its financial obligations to the community, neglecting to pay the necessary royalties and entitlements as per industry standards and the agreements with the host community.
In response to these grievances, the Concerned Youths of Bille Kingdom issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding that all operations at the aforementioned oil wells cease until satisfactory engagement, negotiations, and the fulfillment of obligations are met. With the expiration of this deadline, the shutdown of the rig operations was carried out in line with the community’s rights to safeguard their interests and protect the welfare of its people.
Barrister Dappa Dakoru Daniel, who represented the Bille Kingdom Concerned Youths in this matter, has stated that the action was taken to demand justice and equitable treatment for the people of Bille Kingdom. He emphasized that the shutdown was an effort to hold Newcross Exploration and Production Limited accountable for their actions and to ensure that the community’s rightful entitlements are honored.
“We have acted with urgency and in accordance with our rights to ensure that the people of Bille Kingdom are not further marginalized in the face of resource extraction. We remain open to dialogue but will not tolerate any further disregard for our community’s needs and entitlements,” said Barrister Dakoru Daniel.
The Concerned Youths of Bille Kingdom call for an immediate response from Newcross Exploration and Production Limited to address the issues raised and engage in constructive dialogue. They have also urged relevant authorities to intervene to ensure that the community’s rights are respected and upheld.
LET US STRIVE TO MAKE PEACE IN COUNTRY & KINGDOM.