Residents of Alesa Community in Eleme Local Government Area have continued their protest by blocking the gates of the Port Harcourt Refinery, demanding that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited urgently reconstitute a Joint Community Relations Committee to serve as a link between the refinery and the host community.
Monday, 11th May, 2026 marked the fifth day of the protest, which involved youths, women, and elders from the community. The protesters blocked the refinery entrance with raffia palm and other traditional materials, while also setting up canopies and a live DJ stand at the scene. The protest is coming shortly after the NNPCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms for a potential Technical Equity Partnership aimed at supporting the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
Some of the protesting women who spoke with our correspondent say they have nothing to show for the farmlands they gave up for the refinery project. They also complained that their children have not been employed by the NNPCL.
Similarly, the Secretary of Alesa Stakeholders, Timothy Mgbere, also criticised the MoU signed between the Federal Government and the Chinese companies, saying the people of Alesa, Eleme were not involved in the agreement.
By: Marian Ikisikpo, Port Harcourt.
