PRESS RELEASE
UNFAIR AND OPPRESSIVE EXCLUSION OF THE URHOBO ETHNIC NATIONALITY IN NIGERIA’S PETROLEUM SECTOR ADMINISTRATION – A CALL FOR URGENT REVERSAL
January 12, 2026
The Urhobo people and traditional rulers of the twenty-four kingdoms have observed with utter dismay and consternation the deliberate, systematic and gradual exclusion of the Urhobo ethnic nationality from the management, leadership, and governance structures of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The Urhobos through their palaces have carefully followed recent developments, particularly the appointments of frontline managers and directors—key decision-makers and stakeholders—in the newly constituted boards and leadership structures of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Regrettably, these developments reflect a persistent pattern of exclusion of qualified Urhobo sons and daughters.
Equally concerning is the disrespecful but tiring conduct of both local and international oil companies operating within Urhobo oil-bearing communities. These companies continue to exploit resources in Urhobo land with little or no consideration for Urhobos in meaningful employment opportunities, contract awards, or capacity development for qualified indigenes of the host communities.
These unfairly patterned and oppressive disposition towards the Urhobos become more worrisome when it is borne in mind that neither the spirit and letters of the various laws now governing the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria nor the much touted policy of deliberate development of indegenous people of the oil producing areas are observed in taking decisions affecting the Urhobo nation.
It is our strongly held position that the Federal Government of Nigeria cannot in one breathe declare a Nigerian content development policy in the Oil and Gas sector and jettison the Urhobo content in another breathe as manifested in the various appointments into positions including boards and commissions in the oil and gas sector.
It is certain that the contributions of Urhobo land to oil and gas production in Nigeria can neither be wished away nor disregarded. With over 350 oil wells, more than 15 flow stations and 12 oil and gas feilds, the Urhobo nation contributes about 10% to Nigeria’s total oil production.
Therefore, the Urhobo people and kingdoms through their palaces demand an immediate reversal of the marginalisation and exclusion of Urhobos from the strategic management and administration of the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria.
Thus, we call on the Federal Government, its relevant ministries and agencies to immediately take corrective steps to redress the injustice done to the Urhobos over the years
We further call on all other critical stakeholders in the petroleum industry including oil companies and servicing firms to recalibrate their engagement and employment of Urhobo people and their corporate social responsibilities to Urhobo with a view to ensuring the people are deservedly treated in order to keep the peace and avoid a breakdown of the relationship with the kingdoms of Urhobo.
Let it be on record that Urhobo people are now prepared to take their destiny into their hands. The youths and women are particularly worried and are determined to cause a ripple if no serious action is taken by the authorities concerned. A stitch in time saves nine.
Signed:
Dr. Igho Egbi
Secretary,
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Olorogun (Chief) Wilson Ejeben
Chairman
