The investigative team during their arrival in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Government has initiated an investigation into accusations of land-grabbing by oil-producing communities in Bayelsa State against the Nigerian Agip Oil Company and Shell Petroleum Development Company.
The investigation team, led by Engr Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream Department at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, included officials from the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, the Nigerian Police, and the Bayelsa State Government.
They embarked on a fact-finding mission to Biseni, Enebele, Ogbia, and Gbaran communities in Bayelsa State.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja, the investigation was triggered by a petition from Agi Bestman, Coordinator of the Niger Delta MOU, Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), representing the aggrieved communities.
The petition alleges that Agip and Shell engaged in land-grabbing without providing adequate compensation, resulting in underpayment of tenancy rent.
The investigative team began their mission with a meeting involving top Bayelsa State government officials, including the Commissioner and Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Mineral Resources, in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Subsequently, the team visited Biseni Kingdom, Ogbia, Gbaran, and Enebele Community, conducting townhall meetings with traditional rulers, landlords, and residents.
They toured various oil facilities, including Agip-operated Idu Wells 1, 13, and 14, and Shell-operated Adibawa Well 1 and Koroama Manifold.
During these interactive sessions, community leaders and landlords claimed that their lands were seized by the oil companies without proper compensation. Some families reported receiving inadequate payments, while others alleged they were not compensated at all.
In response, Agip has requested a meeting with the petitioner and the groups he represents to address their concerns.
Shell, in its communication with the committee’s Chairman, Engr Busari, stated that it would request a rescheduled meeting due to the unavailability of key management officials who were attending the Nigerian oil and gas conference in Abuja at the time of the visit.
