Urhobo Nation Decries Exclusion From Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector, Demands Urgent Reversal.

The Urhobo ethnic nationality has raised the alarm over what it described as a deliberate and systematic exclusion of its people from the management and administration of Nigeria’s petroleum sector calling on the Federal Government to urgently reverse the trend to avert growing discontent.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, 13/01/26, and jointly signed by the Chairman Urhobo Nation Palace Representatives on Oil and Gas, Olorogun (Chief) Wilson Ejeben and the Secretary, Dr. Igho Egbi, the Urhobo people and traditional rulers of the 24 Urhobo kingdoms expressed utter dismay and consternation over recent appointments into key leadership positions in the oil and gas industry.

According to the statement the Urhobo leadership has closely monitored recent appointments into the boards and top management of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), noting with concern that qualified Urhobo sons and daughters were once again excluded.

The statement further accused both local and international oil companies operating in Urhobo oil-bearing communities of persistent neglect, alleging that these firms continue to exploit resources in Urhobo land without commensurate consideration for the people in terms of meaningful employment opportunities, contract awards, capacity development, and corporate social responsibility.

Describing the situation as unjust, the Urhobo leadership said the continued marginalisation runs contrary to the spirit and letters of existing oil and gas laws, including Nigeria’s Local Content Policy and Host Community Development provisions, which are designed to prioritise indigenes of oil-producing areas.

“It is contradictory for the Federal Government to proclaim a Nigerian Content Development Policy in the oil and gas sector while effectively sidelining Urhobo content in appointments to boards, commissions, and other strategic positions,” the statement noted.

The leaders highlighted the strategic importance of Urhobo land to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, disclosing that the area hosts over 350 oil wells, more than 15 flow stations, and at least 12 oil and gas fields, contributing an estimated 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total crude oil production.

On this basis, the Urhobo people demanded the immediate reversal of what they described as long-standing marginalisation and exclusion from strategic management and administrative positions in the petroleum sector.

They called on the Federal Government, relevant ministries, and regulatory agencies to take urgent corrective measures, while also urging oil companies and service firms to reassess and improve their engagement with Urhobo host communities.

The statement warned that continued neglect could strain relations between oil companies and Urhobo kingdoms, stressing that fairness, inclusion, and equity are critical to sustaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

“The Urhobo people are now prepared to take their destiny into their own hands,” the release stated, adding that youths and women across Urhobo nation are increasingly worried and restless over the prevailing situation.

The leaders concluded with a call for timely intervention, warning that failure to act promptly could escalate tensions, and reminding authorities that “a stitch in time saves nine.”