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SNEPCO’s Planned Exit Threatens 6,000 Jobs …Rivers Youth Protest Against Relocation
Well over 6,000 jobs may be on the line as Shell Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) begins phased relocation of its logistics operations base in the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, Eleme Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State to Lagos State.
The Tide gathered that SNEPCo has already concluded plans to relocate its logistics operations base to Ladol Base in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Addressing newsmen, yesterday, during a peaceful demonstration at the SNEPCo’s Gate in Onne Port to appeal to the company to rescind its decision to relocate its supply base from the free zone to the Lagos Port, President of Onne Youth Council, Comrade Philip John Tenwa said that if SNEPCo makes good their decision, it would adversely affect the youth, adding that the relocation would add additional 6,000 jobless people to the more than 10,000 already displaced directly or indirectly by the gradual relocation of companies from Onne Port in last five years.
He pleaded that the company should consider the unemployment rate in the state, as its decision would worsen the crime rate in the area in particular and the entire state in general.
Tenwa, who led more than 1,000 youth on the protest, stated that the Onne people have coexisted peacefully with SNEPCo since it moved its logistics base to Onne over 20 years ago, but wondered why the company would choose to exit Onne to Lagos port that was already congested.
He regretted that Onne Port, which has enough space for more companies, was lying fallow and in need of more investors, and appealed to the management of SNEPCo to rescind its decision.
According to him, “We have more opportunities here and more space that can accommodate more companies; we have always worked with the security agencies in order to ensure there is peace and order in the area. We are also willing to work and partner with more investors to invest in the area and create more jobs for the teeming Rivers youth.
“If SNEPCo fully implements the relocation plan, a lot of businesses will close down, including contractors and subcontractors, food vendors, artisans and sundry service providers that all contribute to boost the economy of the area and the state.
“We have written to the management of SNEPCo to seek dialogue over the situation, but the meeting has not taken place yet,” Tenwa added.
Some of the placards read: ‘Onne is safe, NPA, please prevail on SNEPCo not to leave Onne Port’, ‘We have been cooperating with all port users, SNEPCo why leaving?’, ‘Save Onne Port, President Muhammadu Buhari, it’s been under-utilized’, ‘SNEPCo, don’t leave Onne Port”, ‘Onne is safe, Eleme is safe, Rivers State is safe, SNEPCo why relocating?’, among others.
He said, “We are here today on behalf of our numerous members and indeed the entire Onne Community to draw the attention of the Nigerian government and indeed the world to the plan by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) to relocate its Supply Base from the Onne Port to Lagos. Indeed, SNEPCo last week surreptitiously directed that all its property and equipment including turbines, engine spares and miscellaneous equipment spares be loaded into containers and moved out of the Onne Port, where it had operated for more than 20 years, to another port in Lagos.
“This move by SNEPCo has serious and far-reaching implications for the Onne community and indeed the entire Rivers State. This is because SNEPCo, which is the operator of the Bonga field, at present, supports more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs at its Supply Base in Onne. There are also several small businesses and contractors whose businesses and fortunes are tied to SNEPCo,” he said.
Tenwa also said that the relocation of SNEPCo’s supply base out of the Onne Free Zone also negatively affect the economy of Rivers State and the larger Niger Delta region.
“It will also put the means of livelihood of many families and the future of our children at risk as well as further swell the burgeoning unemployment market in the Niger Delta region.
“SNEPCo suppliers and vendors are based in the communities around Onne and in the larger Niger Delta region. The suppliers and vendors deliver various items and supplies to the SNEPCo Supply Base in Onne. The planned relocation of the Supply Base to Lagos will directly affect not just the company’s staff but also these suppliers and vendors. It is also bound to affect the community staff working for SNEPCo,” the Onne Youths Council President said.
He said while the Federal Government and State Governments in the South-South have worked hard to ensure peace in the Niger Delta region, the relocation of the SNEPCo to Lagos has the potential of jeopardizing the peace currently being enjoyed in the region.
“The times are hard because in the past three years, no fewer than 15,000 people have lost their jobs at the Onne Port and the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone as a result of the economic downturn in the country. We think SNEPCo should not compound this situation with the relocation of their Supply Base to Lagos. This is more so as the Federal Government is working hard to ensure that oil companies domicile their offices and operations in the Niger Delta region where they make their fortune,” Tenwa further stated.
He appealed to the Federal Government, Rivers State Government and other relevant authorities to intervene in order to dissuade the management of SNEPCo from leaving Onne Port.
The protesting youth later moved from the SNEPCo Supply Base to the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Onne Community, King John Dennis Osaronu, where they informed the king of their action.
In his reaction, Paramount Ruler of Onne Kingdom, King John Dennis Osaronu restated the Onne Council of Chiefs’ total support to the peaceful protest by the youth, saying that there was no good reason for SNEPCo to leave the Onne Port to Lagos.
The monarch said the people have been peaceful and cooperative with all companies operating in Onne Port, adding while Lagos ports were already congested and overstretched, Onne Port was free and under-utilized.
Osaronu urged the Federal Government to swing into action to ensure that SNEPCo remains to develop the people of the area, stating that: “I want the Federal Government to know that the Onne Council of Chiefs is behind this peaceful protest. They should listen to us because they have been asking us for peaceful co-existence, and we have given them peaceful environment to operate all these while. Why the relocation to Lagos? We have always supported SNEPCo and other companies in their quest to deliver and develop our place.”
He appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene as the move was “unjust and not supportable”, and appealed “to the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to prevail on whoever is making the order to withdraw it in order for SNEPCo to remain in Onne and help develop my people”.
“We appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Nyesom Wike and other well-meaning Nigerians to stop this move by SNEPCo,” he said.
In a reaction to the Onne youth protest, spokesperson for Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) said, “Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has no intention of shutting down the Logistics Supply Base in Onne, Port Harcourt. The base will continue to be utilised by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), operator of the SPDC Joint Venture for SPDC Joint Venture operations.
“SNEPCO’s operations are in the Bonga field 120 kilometers off Nigerian coast in the Gulf of Guinea and our operations staff and contractors work offshore in Bonga.”
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo