The Ahoada West Local Government Area Freedom Fighters (AWELGAFF) have condemned what they describe as years of neglect, marginalisation, and underdevelopment of communities in Ahoada West by multinational oil companies operating in the area.
Speaking during a press parley held in Ahoada West on Friday 22, May 2026, the leader of the group, Umegbewe, popularly known as Ggbutam, expressed concern over the worsening living conditions of residents despite the region’s vast natural resource wealth.
According to him, the people of Ahoada West have continued to suffer economic deprivation, environmental hardship, poor infrastructure, and unemployment while multinational corporations operating within the area continue to reap huge profits.
Umegbewe described the exclusion of local youths from meaningful participation in the oil sector as unacceptable and urged the company to address the imbalance.
AWELGAFF specifically called on TotalEnergies, formerly Total E&P, to fully implement Local Content policies as stipulated in Nigerian laws guiding operations in host communities. The group stressed that qualified youths from the area must be prioritised for employment and economic opportunities.
In addition, AWELGAFF called for formal recognition and engagement as a key stakeholder in maintaining peace and fostering a conducive business environment in the area.
“We are working around the clock to ensure that this Local Government Area remains peaceful for everyone, including our corporate citizens. There is no bloodshed, kidnapping, or armed robbery here as witnessed in some other places,” the group stated.
The group also appealed to the company to intensify its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts by investing in critical infrastructure such as roads, potable water, electricity, and healthcare facilities across host communities.
The group further appealed to traditional rulers and the broader Ekpeye traditional institution to unite and proactively engage multinational companies and other organizations operating within Ekpeye land to attract meaningful and profitable development to the various communities.
While reaffirming their commitment to peace, dialogue, and lawful engagement, the Freedom Fighters warned that continued intimidation, oppression, and neglect of host communities by multinational corporations would no longer be tolerated.
The group called on TotalEnergies to respond promptly to its demands in the interest of fairness, sustainable development, and peaceful coexistence in Ahoada West.
The group maintained that genuine development, inclusion, and mutual respect remain the only pathway to lasting peace and harmonious business operations within host communities.
