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By Our Correspondent

Hundreds of protesters from communities in Warri Federal Constituency on Monday shut down 13 major oil flow stations in Delta State, disrupting an estimated 400,000 barrels of crude oil production per day and raising fresh concerns over the impact on Nigeria’s fragile economy.

The affected facilities, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and NESTOIL/NECONDE, were reportedly occupied by women and youths drawn from Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, Egbema and Diebiri Kingdoms.

Industry sources said the shutdown affected Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye, Makaraba, Olero Creek, Dibi Field and Opuekeba flow stations, which collectively account for about 400,000 barrels of crude oil output daily.

The protesters were also said to have blocked the movement of logistics and supplies to the affected oil companies through the waterways, further crippling operations across the oil-producing axis.

The action is linked to growing tensions over the implementation of the recently approved ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The protesters, largely of Ijaw ethnic extraction, accused authorities of delaying the implementation of the delineation report despite the completion of consultations and stakeholder engagements.

The shutdown came less than 24 hours after Ijaw and Urhobo groups in Warri Federal Constituency threatened to halt oil production if the electoral commission failed to implement the final delineation report.

Carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “INEC: Implement Warri Delineation Report,” “Court Ordered Judgment on Wards and Polling Units Delineation,” and “No Implementation, No Production,” the demonstrators vowed to sustain the protest until the report is fully enforced.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief (Mrs.) Maria Ebike alleged that certain powerful interests were working behind the scenes to frustrate the implementation of the report despite INEC’s conclusion of the exercise.

“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.

The controversy stems from a 2022 Supreme Court judgment which ordered a fresh ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency. In compliance with the ruling, INEC conducted the exercise and presented its final report to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20, 2026.

However, the implementation of the report has deepened political tensions among Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri communities in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas.

While Ijaw and Urhobo groups insist the delineation exercise was carried out in line with the Supreme Court’s directive and should be implemented without delay, they have accused elements within the Itsekiri ethnic nationality of lobbying influential figures in government and the security establishment to block its enforcement.

 

With crude oil production now directly affected, the standoff threatens to escalate into a major economic and political crisis unless urgent steps are taken to address the grievances of the protesting communities and restore operations at the affected facilities.