
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Stakeholders in Ogoniland have expressed strong opposition to the federal government’s push for crude oil exploration resumption in the region, demanding justice for past injustices, environmental accountability, and transparency in consultations.
At a one-day dialogue on “Oil Companies’ Divestments vs. Oil Resumption in Ogoniland,” organised by the Lokiaka Community Development Centre, Ogoni stakeholders warned that restarting oil extraction without addressing the underlying issues that halted production in 1993 could trigger further conflict and devastation.
President Bola Tinubu had recently directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to engage with the people of Ogoni for a possible resumption of crude oil and gas exploration in Ogoniland, 32 years after Shell was kicked out of the area following environmental concerns and other issues.
But stakeholders at the dialogue held in Port Harcourt, called for inclusive consultations, justice for past atrocities, environmental remediation, and community-driven processes to ensure sustainable development in Ogoniland.
The stakeholders including traditional rulers, civil society organizations and the media, fear that rushing oil resumption without resolving historical grievances could further destabilize the region and deepen mistrust between the government and Ogoni communities.
Speaking, Martha Agbani, Executive Director of Lokiaka Community Development Centre, questioned the rationale behind the push for oil resumption, accusing the government of ignoring the demands in the Ogoni Bill of Rights and failing to honour the sacrifices made during the Ogoni struggle.
“Three decades ago, the Ogoni people stood together to kick Shell out of Ogoniland due to massive environmental degradation. What has the government and the Ogoni people achieved since then to justify resuming oil extraction now?” she asked.
Agbani highlighted the devastating toll oil extraction has had on Ogoni lives and the environment. She pointed out that over 4,000 people were killed during the struggle, including Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other leaders executed in 1995, whose exoneration remains a key demand.
“Why is the government sweeping these demands under the carpet while pushing for oil resumption? Issues around oil extraction should not be secret or clandestine. They (government) should involve proper dialogue and respect for the Ogoni people’s rights and demands,” she added.
Agbani also raised concerns about ongoing environmental degradation despite cleanup efforts by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project and called for a comprehensive environmental audit to address areas not covered by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, study.
While some Ogoni leaders support oil resumption under certain conditions, others remain cautious. Mr. Mike Karikpo, Country Director of Natural Justice, emphasized the need for robust environmental and social safeguards to prevent renewed tensions.
Karikpo acknowledged the government’s pressure to increase Nigeria’s oil output, but stressed that any agreements must hold oil companies accountable for past liabilities under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.
“Oil production can only resume in Ogoniland if the environment is properly cleaned up and the community sees tangible benefits quickly. Otherwise, it could spark conflicts worse than those of the past,” Karikpo warned.
Ogoni youths, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Barinuazor, President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People, NYCOP, expressed support for oil resumption, but insisted that it must be a community-driven process.
“We want oil resumption, but it cannot be controlled by external interests or Abuja cartels. Ogoni communities must lead the process. We also don’t want to be left behind as the world transitions from crude oil to renewable energy.”
For his part, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, criticized the government for prioritizing oil production over addressing the demands that led to the suspension of oil activities in 1993.
He described the move as “confrontational” and out of touch with the Ogoni struggle for justice.
“The Ogoni Bill of Rights, which forms the foundation of our demands, has been ignored. The execution of Ogoni leaders in 1995 remains unaddressed. These issues must be resolved before we can even talk about oil resumption,” Dumnamene said.