Protests over a disputed ward delineation exercise in Delta State have led to the shutdown of 13 oil flow stations in the Warri Federal Constituency, disrupting production and putting Nigeria’s crude output at risk of a significant decline.

The affected facilities, operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Chevron Nigeria Limited and Nestoil/Neconde, are estimated to collectively produce about 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to industry sources.

The disruption began on Monday after hundreds of protesters occupied oil installations across communities in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North local government areas, preventing workers from accessing the facilities and halting operations.

The protesters, drawn mainly from Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, Egbema and Diebiri kingdoms, are demanding the immediate implementation of a ward delineation report submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a Supreme Court judgement.

They also blocked waterways used for the movement of personnel and logistics supplies, further compounding operational challenges for the oil companies.

The affected flow stations include Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye, Makaraba, Olero Creek, Dibi Field and Opuekeba.

Protesters said their action would continue until the final delineation report presented in Asaba on May 20 is fully implemented ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Maria Ebike said the community had exhausted peaceful options and insisted that authorities must act on the completed delineation exercise.

Industry sources warned that the shutdown could have serious implications for Nigeria’s oil production targets, export obligations and government revenue if prolonged.

The disruption comes at a time when the federal government is seeking to increase crude production and improve foreign exchange earnings amid ongoing economic pressures.

The controversy surrounding the ward delineation exercise has deepened political tensions among ethnic groups in the Warri area, with competing claims over representation and boundaries.

INEC conducted the exercise in compliance with a Supreme Court judgement, but disagreements over its implementation have continued to fuel protests and counter-claims among stakeholders.

As of press time, neither the affected oil companies nor relevant regulatory authorities had issued official statements on the extent of production losses or efforts to restore operations.

Authorities are yet to confirm how soon normal operations will resume as tensions persist in the affected communities.