The Warri Indigenous Peoples Movement (WIPM) has urged the Federal Government to take urgent action against large-scale crude oil theft in the Niger Delta while calling for fair treatment of the Itsekiri people, whose lands host some of Nigeria’s most strategic oil assets.

Addressing a counter-rally in Abuja, Comrade Monoyo Edon, General Secretary of the WIPM, disowned a protest held at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) headquarters, where some groups demanded the removal of Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari.

"We want to declare categorically and in categorical terms that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality has no hand in any protest or agitation for the removal of Engr. Bayo Ojulari," Edon stated.

He emphasized that the top agenda for the group was preventing massive looting of national wealth in illegal bunkering.

"Allegations regarding previous policies or actions of the NNPCL must be raised under suitable oversight and due process," he added.

According to him, the Itsekiri people remain committed to dialogue, peace, and constructive engagement with government authorities.

WIPM Chairman Hon. Kingsley Tenumah urged the federal government to focus its energy on tackling “powerful cartels” behind large-scale oil theft on the high seas rather than pursuing mere small players in the creeks.

"We need the authorities to pursue the high-end Niger Delta bunkerers, the ones that are on the high seas, and not the small-scale jerrycan bunkerers. Smuggled Nigerian crude oil exports are being shipped every day from this country," he said.

Tenumah also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expand its investigation into refinery turnaround maintenance to discover individuals who enable oil theft operations, Vanguard reported.

Itsekiri demand fair share of oil wealth

Citing the contribution played by the Itsekiri in Nigeria's oil revenue, Tenumah stated:

"The Itsekiri ethnic nationality constitutes over 33 percent of Nigeria's total oil revenue today. There are over 70 oil flow stations in our domain currently. Our grievance is that NNPCL has to treat us justly. In giving jobs and contracts, give us our fair share as mandated by law."

Itsekiri demand fair share of oil wealth

Emphasizing the Itsekiri contribution to Nigeria's oil revenue, Tenumah asserted:

"The Itsekiri ethnic nationality produces far more than 33 percent of Nigeria's total oil income at the moment. There are over 70 oil flow stations on our soil presently. Our grouse is that NNPCL ought to deal with us fairly. In the employment of personnel and the award of contracts, give us our rightful share in line with the law."

He cautioned against rewarding groups that use violence or intimidation, warning that such actions could destabilise the Niger Delta, Nation reported.

Communities call for respect for court rulings

Chief Priest Roland Oti-Yomere of the Omadino community urged government and NNPCL to respect valid court rulings on oil-bearing lands.

“We have valid acquisitions and documentation, with some cases resolved up to the Supreme Court. You cannot simply claim land without proper legal backing,” he said.

Oti-Yomere praised Ojulari’s determination to curb illegal bunkering and pledged his community’s support for the effort, describing it as vital to restoring transparency in the sector.

Dangote Refinery adds 15 new partners

Legit.ng earlier reported that Dangote Refinery said that many oil marketing companies have joined its growing list of fuel distribution networks.

The refinery disclosed in a statement that the companies include TotalEnergies, Garima Petroleum, Sunbeth Energies, Sobax Nigeria Limited, and Virgin Forest Energy. Others are Sixxco Oil Ltd., NU Synergy, and Soroman Limited.