On Tuesday, youths from Finima in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State shut down operations at two major oil service companies: Saipem Construction Nigeria Limited and Daewoo Engineering and Construction Limited. These companies are significant contractors for the ongoing Train Seven Project of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG).
Despite heavy rainfall, the determined protesters blocked the gates of the companies, effectively halting the entry and exit of staff. The youths voiced their grievances against what they perceive as neglect and marginalization of their community in the Train Seven Project.
The protesters are demanding the enforcement of the Local Content Development Act of 2017, which mandates the inclusion of host communities in significant projects. They argue that their community has been unfairly excluded from the opportunities provided by the Train Seven Project, a critical initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s gas production and contributing to economic growth.
In response to the protest, Charles Epelle, the Acting General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at Nigeria LNG Limited, clarified that the issue is between the workers and the contractors, not directly with NLNG. He assured that efforts to resolve the situation amicably are already in progress. Epelle reiterated NLNG’s commitment to inclusiveness and urged for a peaceful resolution to the grievances expressed by the Finima community.
