ExxonMobil says no disruption from Nigeria oil terminal protests

ExxonMobil said protests staged near its Qua Iboe grade export terminal in Nigeria since Thursday by local communities had had no impact on oil production.

"Mobil Producing Nigeria confirms demonstrations near some of the joint venture's facilities in Akwa Ibom State. We respect the right of people to protest peacefully," ExxonMobil said Friday.

"There is no impact on production," the company added.

Local communities said the protests near the 600,000 b/d oil terminal, in the south of Africa's biggest oil producer, were to press for N26.5 billion of compensation from the US energy firm for a 2012 oil

spill.

Isaiah Abia, spokesman for the Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno and Onna communities, which host the ExxonMobil facilities, said in a statement the company had failed to fulfill its promise to pay compensation for the spill,

claiming it had leaked more than 300 barrels of crude into the environment.

ExxonMobil, however, said the protests had been triggered by inaccurate information concerning its recently announced plans for big, multi-year social investments across the state.

"We are working with all key stakeholders including our neighbouring communities and Akwa Ibom State government to address the misinformation," ExxonMobil said.