Women of Kunukunuma Federated Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have called for urgent measures to protect the safety, waterways and livelihoods of riverine residents amid concerns over Chevron Nigeria Limited crew-change boat operations in the area.

The women staged a peaceful protest on Monday, September 14, 2026, to draw attention to what they described as the adverse effects of strong waves generated by fast-moving crew-change boats passing through their waterways.

According to the protesters, the waves have allegedly contributed to erosion and damage along riverbanks, while also disrupting fishing activities and other daily engagements that sustain families in the community.

The women, whose livelihoods are closely tied to fishing and water transportation, appealed to Chevron and operators of its crew-change boats to reduce their speed whenever they pass through community waterways, particularly in areas where residents are fishing, travelling or carrying out other legitimate activities.

They said the waterways remain the lifeline of riverine communities and should be navigated with due regard for the safety of residents, their fishing gear, boats, riverbanks and means of survival.

The protesters also urged relevant government agencies and authorities to look into their concerns and facilitate constructive engagement between the community, Chevron and boat operators toward finding practical measures that would minimise the impact of the operations.

While acknowledging the importance of lawful commercial and oil-sector activities in the Niger Delta, the women maintained that such operations must be carried out in a manner that protects the environment, safeguards the people and preserves the economic wellbeing of host communities.

They stressed that ensuring safer navigation practices along the waterways would help prevent avoidable damage, promote peaceful coexistence and guarantee that the livelihoods of Kunukunuma residents are not jeopardised by industrial activities.