His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, has urged international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to fulfil their development responsibilities to Itsekiri oil‑bearing communities, expressing deep concern over persistent underdevelopment and neglect despite long‑standing oil exploration in the region.
He made the remarks on Saturday during a tour of several oil and gas producing communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The monarch described the situation in host communities as untenable, lamenting widespread poverty and inadequate infrastructure after decades of revenue generation from oil resources.
He emphasised that the Warri Palace would adopt a firmer stance in advocating for equitable development and empowerment for all Itsekiri oil‑producing areas.
“Oil companies should stop repeating the failures of the past. The palace is standing up for every oil‑bearing Itsekiri community,” Ogiame Atuwatse III said, underscoring the need for tangible improvements rather than symbolic gestures.
His call focused on sustainable development and justice for residents who have long felt marginalised despite their contributions to national oil wealth.
The monarch further clarified that his demand was not aimed at directing contracts to select individuals but at securing dignity, fairness, and sustainable progress for all members of the host communities. “We seek peace, partnership, development and justice.
The palace will no longer watch from a distance,” he added, indicating a shift toward more proactive advocacy.
Ogiame Atuwatse III also accused some oil companies of allegedly collaborating with a few individuals to deny host communities their rightful benefits, warning that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
He suggested that meaningful implementation of provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) could translate into significant development gains for oil‑producing areas if properly enforced by companies and government alike.
The monarch called on all tiers of government to intensify efforts to address longstanding underdevelopment challenges in the Niger Delta region, stressing the importance of inclusive growth and improved living conditions for host communities that have historically borne the environmental and social costs of oil production.
The Olu’s statements resonate with broader grievances in the region, where host communities across the Niger Delta have repeatedly decried inadequate corporate social investment and limited access to basic infrastructure despite substantial contributions to national oil revenues.
Past disputes have included disputes over employment practices and community benefits linked to oil operations.
Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector may face increasing pressure to demonstrate compliance with statutory obligations and enhance collaboration with host communities to address socio‑economic inequalities and strengthen local development outcomes.
