Business operations at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Headquarters in Port Harcourt came to a standstill on Monday as members of the Amadi-Ama community took to the streets in protest.
The demonstrators, including fishermen, widows, and the family of the late Precious Imabibo, sought justice for the tragic death of their community member, who reportedly drowned on January 20th, 2024, in an incident they attribute to the reckless behavior of an NLNG boat.
The protest, which saw a large turnout from the community, was driven by anger and frustration over what they perceive as NLNG’s negligence and lack of empathy. Mr. Ipalibo, the father of the deceased, voiced his grievances, accusing the company of ignoring the plight of his family and the broader community. “We have been left to suffer without any support or acknowledgment from NLNG,” he lamented, capturing the sentiments shared by many in the crowd.
This incident, according to the protesters, is not an isolated one. They claim that there have been similar occurrences in the past, which have contributed to a growing sense of injustice and resentment towards the company. The protesters are demanding compensation and an official apology, along with assurances that such incidents will not happen again.
In response to the protest, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, issued a statement acknowledging the community’s concerns. He assured that the company is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue amicably. Odeh also emphasized NLNG’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its host communities and called for calm as the Nigerian Police continue their investigation into the incident.
This marks the second protest led by the victim’s family, who have vowed to persist in their demonstrations until their demands are met.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
