Aug 28, 2025 .
Niger Delta Youth Leaders Shut Down NNPCL Headquarters in Abuja Over Urgent Demands
Abuja, Nigeria – August 27, 2025 Tension engulfed the Federal Capital Territory today as youth leaders representing various ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region staged a massive protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) headquarters. The demonstration, which completely grounded activities at the NNPC Towers, was led by Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and Chairman of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Forum.
The aggrieved youths stormed the NNPCL facility with chants, placards, and solidarity songs, demanding urgent government intervention over what they described as “decades of neglect, marginalization, and injustice against the Niger Delta people.”
Speaking during the protest, Sir Lokpobiri declared: “We are here because our region continues to suffer exploitation without development. We will not leave until our voices are heard and concrete steps are taken to address our demands.”
The convergence brought together several prominent youth leaders from across the Niger Delta, signaling a united front. Among those present were Activist Ughere Blessed, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth President Worldwide; Comrade Eniwake Orogun, PhD, President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly and Secretary of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum; Godwin Utienyin Odudukele, President Emeritus of the Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC); and Comrade Nicholas Igaramah, Chairman of the IYC Western Zone. Their collective presence underscored the seriousness of the grievances and their resolve to resist what they view as systemic exclusion from Nigeria’s oil wealth.
At the heart of their demands is the immediate sack of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, GCEO of NNPCL, whom they accused of deliberately sidelining Niger Delta youths and unlawfully disengaging many from the company. The protesters also demanded the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, more employment opportunities, scholarships for Niger Delta youths, and an end to corruption and wastage within NNPCL.
Comrade Eniwake Orogun reinforced the message: “The funds meant for the development of our region must be used for our people, not diverted elsewhere. Our youths need jobs, our communities need schools, and our people deserve to benefit from the resources of our land.”
The youth leaders further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene, warning that failure to act could threaten the fragile peace currently enjoyed in the oil-rich region. They stressed that their agitation is not about personal gain but about equity, transparency, and sustainable development.
“We are sending a clear message today the patience of Niger Delta youths is running out,” added Activist Ughere Blessed. “If the government and NNPCL continue to ignore our demands, we cannot guarantee that future actions will remain peaceful.”
The protest drew significant public and media attention, marking one of the strongest youth-led demonstrations against the NNPCL in recent times.
