The Coalition for Equity in Resource Justice (CERJ), a frontline civil society group, has urged indigenous oil giant, Oando Plc, to honour its financial obligations to host Indigenous Contractors in the Niger Delta, amounting to ₦8billion.
The group gave the admonition in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Tari Efemen, on Wednesday.
The group lamented what it described as a “deliberate delay and denial of justice” to Indigenous Contractors whose lands, waters, and livelihoods have supported oil operations for decades.
According to the group, “For far too long, oil companies have profited from the resources of the Niger Delta while neglecting their basic responsibilities to the people.
“Oando Plc must urgently pay the ₦8 billion owed to Indigenous Contractors. These funds represent compensation, commitments, and obligations that cannot be swept under the rug.”
CERJ stated that while multinational corporations continue to expand profits, local communities are left to suffer the consequences of pollution, underdevelopment, and broken promises.
“We are not begging, we are demanding justice. The people of the Niger Delta deserve more than lip service. Oando must lead by example and pay what is due.
“We will not remain silent while corporate entities enrich themselves at the expense of the region’s dignity.”
The group urged regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to step in and ensure compliance and accountability.
“This is not just about money; it is about justice, dignity, and restoring trust. Any further delay will be seen as economic sabotage and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
“As a concerned civil society organization, we are giving Oando Plc a one-week ultimatum to address this longstanding issue.
“Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilize and peacefully picket their offices in Lagos, Abuja, and London,” the group warned.