Communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State have expressed strong concerns about a newly amended law regarding oil exploration in their area.
The law, known as the Kogi Oil Producing Area Development Commission (KOSOPADC) Law, was amended in July 2025, and community leaders say it threatens their rights as the only oil-producing community in the state.
During a press conference in Abuja, the President of Ibaji Youths, Mr. Apeh Abuchi voiced the communities frustrations.
He emphasized that the changes made in the amended law jeopardize fairness and justice for the Ibaji people, who believe they should benefit more from the oil resources found in their area.
Several local organizations, including the Ibaji Youths Foundation and the National Association of Ibaji Students, joined Abuchi in the call for better representation and participation in the benefits that come from their natural resources.
The original KOSOPADC law was established in December 2023 by former Governor Yahaya Bello and emphasized the importance of local communities in overseeing the commission’s operations.
It ensured that leadership positions within the commission would be held by individuals from the oil-producing communities.
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Other states with similar laws, like Imo, Ondo, and Delta, have also prioritized local leadership in their oil commission laws.
However, the recent amendments have changed this structure, leading to concerns that they have diluted the influence and rights of the Ibaji people.
Abuchi pointed out that the process of making these amendments lacked transparency and did not involve the community, which he believes is unfair.
Additionally, he stated that the new law has designated leadership roles in a way that leaves Ibaji without key positions, which he described as an attempt to silence the communities and deny them their rightful share of resources from their land.
Abuchi and the Ibaji community are asking the state House of Assembly to reject the amended law and restore the previous version, which they believe honors their contributions as the sole oil-producing area in the state.
They are appealing to the current leadership, including Governor Usman Ododo, to support their cause and ensure that the Ibaji people are fairly represented in decisions affecting their resources.
