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Community Dialogue on Addressing Community Grievances in the Oil and Gas Sector in Isoko Area of Delta State

Introduction

Corruption in the oil and gas sector has left many communities in the Niger Delta struggling with poor infrastructure, environmental degradation, and economic hardship.

Image: Group photographs of participants

Recognizing the need to tackle this issue, the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) launched a vital intervention program on February 10, 2025, titled: "Addressing Community Grievances in the Oil and Gas Sector in Isoko Area of Delta State." The meeting brought together 50 key stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, President Generals, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders, and Traditional Rulers' Representatives from Ofagbe, Iyede, Ellu, Ovrode, and Ozoro communities. The goal was to educate these communities on the importance of contract transparency, how to engage with oil investors for sustainable benefits, and how to resist corrupt practices.

What Our Speakers Told the Stakeholders

1. The Vice Chairman of Isoko North LGA, Dr. Mrs. Aluta Evelyn, emphasized that corruption has deeply affected the region’s economic, social, and environmental well-being. She praised CODAF for organizing the meeting and encouraged frequent interventions to keep the fight against corruption alive.

2. CODAF facilitator Mr. Nwoho Fred spoke on the importance of contract transparency in the oil sector. He urged community leaders to thoroughly read and understand any agreements before signing, warning that ignorance often leads to exploitation. Using the 1998 Malabu scandal as an example, he explained how corruption affects both the economy and community development.

3. Mrs. Ayo Nefertiti, another facilitator, advised community leaders to avoid sacrificing the future of their people for personal gain. She called for collaboration with civil society organizations to expose corrupt practices. She also encouraged leaders to conduct proper need assessments before making demands from oil companies to ensure sustainable development.

4. The Vice Chairman of the Isoko Environmental Monitoring Committee, Dr. Edewor Okiemute, stressed that the Niger Delta’s environment is sick due to crude oil pollution. Despite this, host communities lack basic infrastructure like healthcare facilities, electricity, and good roads. She urged communities to unite and fight corruption together.

What the Communities Told CODAF

The Vice President General of Ellu community, Mr. Prince Asesa Jerry, accused oil corporations of using a "divide and rule" strategy to weaken community unity. He lamented that despite having oil pipelines, his community was excluded from the DESOPADEC scholarship scheme and lacked electricity.
The Chairman of Ellu community, Mr. Akpodewo, stated that oil companies often manipulate indigenous Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) to betray their people. He accused political leaders of being part of the corruption affecting their communities.
The President General of Ovrode community described the insincerity of the government, stating that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process had been neglected. He highlighted problems such as lack of potable water, poor roads, and schools that the community had to build by themselves.

The Collective Way Forward

The stakeholders agreed on several key steps to address corruption in the oil and gas sector:

Demand transparency – Communities must ensure that all oil contracts are accessible and clearly understood.
Strengthen community engagement – Leaders must actively engage with oil companies to negotiate better deals.
Expose corruption – Collaboration with civil society organizations will help bring corrupt practices to light.
Prioritize environmental health – Urging oil companies to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
Develop sustainable infrastructure – Government and oil companies should be held accountable for providing essential amenities.

This intervention program by CODAF has laid a foundation for addressing corruption in the oil and gas sector. The voices of community leaders and stakeholders have highlighted the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. Moving forward, continued advocacy and active participation from both the government and local communities will be crucial in ensuring lasting change.

WHAT'S CODAF

CODAF also known as Rural Community Empowerment Initiative (RUCEi) works to bridge the communication gap between policy makers and the grassroots AND raise awareness of rural dwellers and empowering them to be active players in environmental decision making.

This mandate is anchored on article 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights which states that “All peoples shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development

OurGoal

To engage in intervention projects that builds the capacity and empowers rural community people to defend their collective rights to participating in natural resource governance through a right-based approach

OurMission

OurVision

We envision a self-sufficient community in the management of their environment and resources without any form of marginalization.

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