The Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC) has voiced strong opposition to reports of an impending mass layoff by Oando Energy Resources, targeting over 450 employees inherited from the former Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC). The group claims this action would breach the collective agreements established during the 2025 acquisition deal between Oando and Eni, the Italian energy giant that previously owned NAOC.
In a detailed statement released by IDC Chairman Prof. Mondy Gold, the council highlighted the potential violation of job security clauses negotiated with staff unions. These agreements were intended to ensure continuity for all transferred workers following Oando’s takeover of NAOC’s assets in the Niger Delta region, a hotspot for Nigeria’s oil production.
Prof. Gold criticized the basis for the proposed terminations, pointing to a recent half-year performance review conducted in 2025. According to the IDC, over 70% of the affected workers were deemed “below standard” in this evaluation. “Terminating personnel based on a half-year staff performance evaluation raises serious questions about fairness and transparency,” the statement emphasized. Many of these employees have dedicated an average of 15 years to the company, contributing significantly to operations amid challenging conditions.
The IDC underscored the workers’ resilience, noting their pivotal role in maintaining production during periods of heightened insecurity in the Niger Delta. This includes sustaining output and fostering community relations even as expatriate staff withdrew during the COVID-19 pandemic. “These workers have been the backbone of operations in one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions,” Prof. Gold stated.
Adding to the controversy, the group recalled assurances from Oando’s Group Chief Executive, Mr. Wale Tinubu, during a company-wide town hall meeting earlier this year. Tinubu reportedly pledged to uphold job security for the inherited workforce, reinforcing commitments made in the acquisition terms.
The IDC is calling on Oando to abandon the layoff plans and adhere strictly to the acquisition agreements. Should restructuring prove unavoidable, the group demands adherence to due process, including transparent evaluations, union negotiations, and equitable compensation. Importantly, they insist that no decisions should be influenced by employees’ state or regional origins, promoting fairness across the board.
This development comes at a time when the Niger Delta faces ongoing economic pressures from oil theft, environmental degradation, and insecurity, making job stability crucial for local communities. The IDC’s protest highlights broader concerns about corporate accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector, where multinational deals often impact thousands of livelihoods.
Oando Energy Resources has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. The Niger Delta Herald will continue monitoring this story for updates.
