(Ecofin Agency) - Four militant groups in Nigeria’s Niger Delta have warned oil companies operating in the region to suspend production until further notice or face unfavorable consequences.

The militants namely, the Adaka Boro Avengers, Niger Delta Creek Warriors, Ogunuma Camp of Niger Delta and Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders, issued the warning last Sunday.

According to the militants, the Federal Government is yet to start resolving issues relating to crude oil production in Niger Delta. As a result, production should be suspended until the conclusion of the dialogue with the government.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken the people of the Niger Delta region as blind people. The Vice President who toured the Niger Delta region has not fulfilled any of the promises he made. Our resources are being used to finance projects in the North and West. Up till now, our boys are still in the custody of the Federal Government, detained without trial. We hereby call on all the multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to cease operation for now in their own interest. They should cease operation forthwith until matters of the Niger Delta region are addressed,” said the groups.

Let’s recall that Nigeria’s Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, after a tour of the region last week ordered major oil companies to relocate their offices to Niger Delta as they will be more responsive to the people’s complaints.

Anita Fatunji