Civil Society Groups Reject Oil Extraction Resumption in Ogoniland

By Tina Amanda

 

A coalition of civil society organizations in the Niger Delta has strongly condemned the federal government’s plans to resume oil production in Ogoniland.

The groups, which convened at the Port Harcourt office of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, expressed concern over a recent private meeting between some selected Ogoni leaders and stakeholders and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja.

The coalition criticized the federal government for sidelining the broader Ogoni community in these discussions and for ignoring the enduring environmental, social, and economic crises caused by years of reckless oil exploitation in the region.

The groups highlighted the catastrophic impact of decades of oil spills, gas flaring, and inadequate remediation efforts, as documented in the 2011 UNEP Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland. The report revealed severe contamination of land, water, and air, leading to health challenges and loss of livelihoods for the Ogoni people, despite repeated promises, they lamented the government’s slow implementation of UNEP’s recommendations for environmental cleanup and restoration.

Also Read: MOSOP Demands Inclusivity in Federal Talks on Ogoni Oil Resumption

The groups explained that they had expected that this administration would have called for a multi-stakeholder meeting in Ogoni land to listen to the plight of the Ogonis and also agree with them on how best to tackle the poverty and hunger occasioned by their loss of livelihoods caused by years of pollution and resultant poisoning of their land and waters.

The forum noted with dismay that two major issues-June 12 and the Ogoni struggle were plaguing the nation when democracy was restored in 1999. The matter of June 12 was settled with the federal government, conferring a national honor of GCFR on MKO Abiola and recognizing him as a hero of democracy. It is time, that Ken Saro-Wiwa is recognized and honored as the hero of the environment and given his due honor.

The attempt to resume oil extraction in a region already ravaged by environmental neglect further exacerbates the suffering of the people and is an affront to their right to a safe environment. It also disregards their right to free, prior, and informed consent a fundamental principle under international law.

The forum demanded a shift in government focus from oil resumption to addressing historical grievances, implementing full environmental restoration, and empowering local communities. The groups also called for: “Halt all plans for resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland until there is meaningful consultation with the Ogoni people and full remediation of the damaged environment.

“That not one more oil well should be drilled in the Niger Delta and the government, and the oil companies should commence immediate and total cleanup of the region. One trillion United States Dollars should be earmarked for immediate clean-up of the Niger Delta and compensation for loss of livelihoods.

“Immediate review of the Kangaroo Military trial and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa with other martyrs and their exoneration. Immediate and unconditional release of the confiscated Ken Saro-Memorial Bus sculpture held by Nigeria Customs since 2015.

“Full Implementation of the UNEP Report and ensuring that the clean-up and restoration of Ogoniland are prioritized and carried out transparently and effectively. More funding should be allocated to HYPREP to hasten their actions regarding the clean-up.

“Ensure justice for the Ogoni People by addressing historical grievances, including compensation for environmental and economic losses and accountability for decades of ecological destruction. Community participation and a guarantee that decisions affecting Ogoniland follow the respect for the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the communities.

“Holding oil companies, particularly Shell, accountable for past environmental damages and human rights violations. Demilitarization of the Niger Delta and an end to the intimidation and harassment of environmental activists and local communities.

“Enforcing strict regulations on oil companies operating in Nigeria.
Halt all discussions on divestment until the polluted Niger Delta region is cleaned up. Transitioning to renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels to mitigate environmental harm.”

The coalition drew parallels between the unresolved Ogoni crisis and the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day, urging the federal government to honor Ken Saro-Wiwa as a hero of environmental justice.

The organizations emphasized that any attempt to restart oil activities in Ogoniland without addressing the region’s deep-seated environmental and social challenges would worsen the suffering of the Ogoni people and undermine efforts to combat climate change.

Signatories Include: Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative (MEDI), Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria, and 20 other civil society groups.

The coalition stands in solidarity with the Ogoni people, vowing to resist any plans that further endanger their rights, environment, and future.

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