Business and Economy
Kogi Oil Devt. Law: Ibaji Community Rejects Amendment, Demands Fairness and Justice
The people of Ibaji Local Government Area in Kogi State have expressed strong opposition to the recently amended Kogi Oil Producing Area Development Commission (KOSOPADC) Law, signed in July 2025, insisting it threatens their constitutional rights.
At a press briefing held on Sunday in Abuja, Mr.
He explained that the community was demanding equity and fairness in addressing the provisions of the July 2025 amendment passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
The briefing was jointly organised by the Ibaji Youths Foundation, Ibaji Unity Forum, and the National Association of Ibaji Students.
Abuchi recalled that the original law, signed on Dec. 20, 2023, by former Governor Yahaya Bello, established the KOSOPADC with a clear recognition of host communities. He noted that Section Six of that law provided that key leadership positions in the commission be occupied by indigenes of the oil-producing areas.
“Similar laws in Imo, Ondo, and Delta mandate that leadership positions be reserved for indigenes of oil-producing communities, ensuring accountability and community-driven governance,” he stressed.
However, he said the July 25, 2025 amendment stripped away these rights and diluted Ibaji’s representation, with major positions now zoned outside Kogi East, where Ibaji is located.
According to him, the amendment was rushed without public hearings or consultations, describing it as “a legislative ploy to rob the Ibaji people of their birthright and deny them the benefits of their natural resources.”
He revealed that under the amended law, the Chairman of the Board is now zoned to Kogi West, the Secretary to Kogi Central, leaving Ibaji and Kogi East without any strategic leadership role.
Abuchi urged the Kogi House of Assembly to reverse the amendment and retain the 2023 law.
“We insist that Ibaji’s unique contributions and sacrifices as the only oil-producing local government in Kogi must be reflected in KOSOPADC leadership. We appeal to Governor Usman Ododo, the state assembly, and the Nigerian public to ensure that justice is done,” he stated.