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BONNY ISLAND, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — A total shutdown of Bonny Island, which began early Monday over unmet corporate social responsibility (CSR) demands, has been temporarily suspended following an agreement for negotiations with international oil companies (IOCs).
The protest, led by all 35 Chieftaincy Houses of Bonny Kingdom, saw roads barricaded and access blocked to major IOC facilities, including those of Nigeria LNG (NLNG), Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Mobil, and TotalEnergies. Demonstrators, mobilized under the hashtag #LibertyforBonnyKingdom, began their action at 5 a.m., demanding legacy infrastructure projects such as road expansions, a mini-stadium, a sports academy, waste-to-wealth facilities, foreign scholarships, contracts, and job opportunities.
Temporary Truce Reached
Tensions ran high Sunday night as Bonny youths intensified preparations for the demonstration. However, a late-night intervention involving the Nigerian Police Force, the Amanayabo of Bonny Kingdom, and IOC representatives led to a temporary truce.
Protest leaders agreed to suspend the blockade after securing an agreement for a meeting with IOC executives scheduled for Wednesday, January 15.
“We have decided to stand down the protest to allow for dialogue, but our demands remain firm,” said Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, Chairman of the Bonny Kingdom Development Committee.
Normalcy Restored
By 9 a.m. Monday, activities on Bonny Island resumed, with protesters redirecting their efforts toward a peaceful gathering at Government Secondary School, Bonny. The temporary resolution has brought a sense of relief to the oil-rich region, where disruptions could have significant economic implications.
Hart is expected to address the press later Monday to provide updates on the protest and outline next steps as Bonny Kingdom awaits a response from the IOCs.
“We believe in peaceful engagement, but our people’s needs cannot continue to be overlooked,” said one protester.
