In what could escalate into a full-blown industrial dispute, if not properly managed, tension is rising at the Eriemu Field communities following two oil coy, Hilong Oil Service and Engineering Ltd.’s refusal to engage local welders and fitters in their ongoing drilling project at Well 9.
The Eriemu Unit Welders and Fitters Association, representing professionals from the host communities, has expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s actions, accusing it of undermining local content and disregarding government policy directives.
In a letter addressed to the company’s operations manager, dated October 23, 2024, signed by Mr. FranK Idemive, Unit Secretary, of the Eriemu Welders and Fitters Association, they expressed their frustration over Hilong’s continued refusal to involve host community professionals in key aspects of the project. The group emphasized that despite several peaceful attempts to address the matter, including a formal request made through Heritage Energy Operations Services Ltd., the contractor has failed to comply.
The situation has further escalated after Hilong reportedly boycotted a key conflict resolution meeting convened by the Ughelli North Local Government Council on September 26, 2024. The meeting, chaired by the Executive Chairman of Ughelli North, Olorogun Jaro Movudu Egbo, Ksc, included representatives from the Nigerian Army, the police, and other security agencies. Despite the high-level attendance, no representatives from Hilong were present, and this absence has left the association and other stakeholders feeling sidelined.
During the peace meeting, Heritage Energy’s Community Relations Department (CRD) attempted to mediate on Hilong’s behalf, but according to the association, their efforts have been ignored by the drilling contractor. Resolutions from the meeting, which called for the immediate engagement of local welders and fitters, have yet to be implemented by Hilong, further stoking anger in the host communities.
“We have exhausted all peaceful and constructive means of reaching out to Hilong. Their continued refusal to engage our professionals is a direct affront to the local community and the government authorities involved,” the letter stated “This is our land, and our people deserve to be part of the project.”
The association is also calling out the company for violating federal, state, and local government policies on human capital development. According to them, the exclusion of local professionals contradicts the government's drive to promote local content and empower indigenous workers in oil-rich regions.
The letter from the welders’ association comes with a stern warning. They have given Hilong one week, starting from October 23, 2024, to implement the resolutions from the Ughelli North peace meeting. Failure to do so, the association warns, will result in a mass mobilization of the Eriemu communities to occupy the drilling site. “We will occupy the site without fear or favor until our demands are met,” the letter read.
The refusal to include local welders and fitters in the project has raised broader concerns about the relationship between Hilong and the Eriemu communities. Stakeholders, including the Community Development Committee (CDC) of the Eriemu Field and all the communities hosting the rig have backed the welders’ stance. There is widespread consensus that Hilong’s actions could jeopardize the fragile peace that has existed between oil companies and the local communities in the Niger Delta.
The Ughelli North Local Government Council has also thrown its weight behind the demands of the local welders. In the September 26 resolution, the council clearly instructed Hilong to engage the indigenous professionals within seven days. That deadline has long passed, and the community is now running out of patience.
Heritage Energy, which operates the Eriemu Field, has so far remained a mediator in the crisis. The company had earlier tried to offer what the welders’ association described as “ghost worker” positions—a proposal that was swiftly rejected by the association, insisting on genuine, professional involvement in the project.
With the clock ticking and no resolution in sight, all eyes are now on Hilong to act before the takes matters into its own hands. The potential occupation of the drilling site by local community members could not only disrupt operations but also spark further unrest in a region historically plagued by tensions between oil companies and host communities.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are urging Hilong to reconsider its stance and adhere to the resolutions reached by the government and community leaders. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the company can avert a potentially volatile situation in the Eriemu oil fields.
