Delta Communities Demand 3% OPEX from Sterling Oil

Communities in Delta State are demanding intervention from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) regarding the failure of Sterling Global Oil, the asset management team for OML 26, to fulfill its obligation of allocating 3% of operational expenditure (OPEX) for community development. The host communities, represented by Angela Akpofa of the Isoko Grassroot Mobilization, have expressed frustration over the lack of response from Sterling Global Oil, which has allegedly short-paid the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) by N2.4 billion.

Despite assurances from the company to address the issue, a meeting held on December 22, 2025, ended without resolution. The communities are prepared to take action, including blocking roads to oil installations, if their demands are not met.

They emphasize that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) mandates these funds for community development, and they can no longer tolerate delays in receiving necessary resources for essential projects.