Hundreds of protesters had barricaded on Wednesday afternoon the entrance to the US-based company's Qua Iboe terminal, which exports about 420 000 barrels per day, forcing workers to stay overnight in the compound.

"Everyone left at six this morning after they agreed to have a meeting in 10 days," a protester said, asking not to be named.

A company spokesman said oil production and exports were unaffected.

Protesters held placards demanding payment of compensation for the oil spill in January 1998, which they said spoiled the environment and destroyed fishing activities.

The protest was staged by a group called the Movement for the Survival of Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta.

An allied group, the Niger Delta People's Salvation Front, issued a statement accusing the company of playing judicial games for eight years instead of compensating the victims.

- Nampa-Reuters

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