Nigeria’s economy faces a fresh setback after hundreds of Ijaw and Urhobo women and youths seized 13 oil flow stations in Warri Federal Constituency on Thursday, shutting in about 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day over the non-implementation of INEC’s Supreme Court-ordered ward delineation report.
The facilities, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), and NESTOIL/NECONDE, were occupied after protesters overpowered company security personnel and workers. They also blocked all logistic supplies through the waterways, worsening operations for the three companies.
*Facilities affected*
Industry sources identified the shut-in flow stations as: *Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye, Makaraba, Olero Creek, Dibi Field and Opuekeba*.
The protesters are from *Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, Egbema and Diebiri Kingdoms* across Warri South, Warri South West and Warri North Local Government Areas.
*Why they’re protesting*
The action follows INEC’s May 20, 2026 presentation of its final report on fresh delineation of electoral wards/polling units in Warri Federal Constituency. The exercise was mandated by the Supreme Court in its Dec 2, 2022 judgment in SC/413/2016: _Hon. George U. Timinimi & 9 Ors v. INEC_, which ordered INEC “to conduct a fresh delineation of all electoral wards/polling units for Warri South West, Warri North and Warri South Local Government Areas of Warri Federal Constituency for the purpose of future elections.”
The Ijaw and Urhobo communities allege that “some powerful forces in the Presidency” and Itsekiri stakeholders are working to frustrate implementation of the report. They insist oil production will remain halted until INEC fully implements the recommended ward delineation.
*“No implementation, no production”*
Protesters displayed placards with inscriptions: *“INEC: Implement Warri Delineation Report,” “Court Ordered Judgment on Wards and Polling Units Delineation,” and “No Implementation, No Production.”*
Speaking for the demonstrators, Chief (Mrs.) Maria Ebike accused INEC of “deliberately delaying the implementation process despite the conclusion of consultations and recommendations aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over political representation in the area.”
She said the delineation was “designed to ensure fairness, equity, and adequate representation for communities within the Warri Federal Constituency,” but alleged that “some powerful forces in the Presidency” were behind moves to frustrate it.
“We have waited patiently for the authorities to do the right thing. Since they continue to ignore our voices, we have no option but to demand justice through peaceful protests. *No implementation of the ward delineation, no oil production*,” Ebike added.
The seizure came less than 24 hours after Ijaw and Urhobo leaders of Warri Federal Constituency vowed to shut down oil production if INEC refused to implement the final delineation report.
*Tensions escalate among ethnic groups*
Implementation of INEC’s report has heightened tension among the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri in Warri and its riverine communities. The Ijaw and Urhobo accuse their Itsekiri neighbours of “mobilising contacts in the Presidency and Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to frustrate the legitimate action of the electoral body.”
They also referenced an open letter dated June 5, 2026, in which they accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of ordering INEC to stop further implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, claiming the directive arose from his “matrimonial ties to the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.”
The communities cited Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that “The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons,” and Section 160(1), which guarantees INEC’s independence from presidential control.
*Economic impact*
With the 13 facilities collectively producing about *400,000bpd*, Nigeria stands to lose significant revenue at a time when oil earnings are critical to budget implementation. Industry sources said logistics to Chevron, Shell and NestOil/Neconde have been completely cut off through the waterways since the occupation began.
The Presidency, INEC and the affected oil companies had not issued official responses at press time.
