Environmental activists and civil society stakeholders in Ogoniland have vehemently rejected the Federal Government’s renewed push for the resumption of oil exploration in the area, describing it as a “dirty deal” that places profit over the well-being of the people and the environment.
The protest campaign, spearheaded by the Kallop Humanitarian and Environmental Center, was launched in Bori, Rivers State, with activists calling for an immediate halt to fossil fuel extraction in Ogoni communities. Instead, they advocated for investment in clean and renewable energy alternatives.
Speaking during a community stakeholders’ forum supported by Oilwatch International, the Executive Director of Kallop Humanitarian and Environmental Center, Anthony Aalo, condemned continued oil-related activities in the region. He argued that the era of fossil fuels in Ogoniland should come to an end.
“Today, we kick-start a campaign to end fossil fuel extraction in Ogoniland because the world is moving away from dirty energy. Ogoni should not be left behind,” Aalo stated.
He criticized the Federal Government’s proposal to resume oil operations, saying it contradicts international efforts toward environmental sustainability and climate justice.
“Fossil fuel has devastated our environment the air is polluted, farmlands destroyed, and livelihoods ruined. We must transition to renewable energy, our campaign is peaceful, rooted in non-violence, dialogue, and advocacy.”
Aalo further declared that his organization would not participate in any negotiations or consultations regarding the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
“We want the oil left in the ground. We are not interested in discussions or deals. Our demand is clear a clean and livable Ogoni for future generations.”
The forum also raised concerns about the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly the exclusion of Khana Local Government Area from the Host Communities Development Trust. Activists described the omission as discriminatory and called for an urgent review of the law to accommodate all impacted communities.
Also Read: Armed to Stop Her, Absent for Us: The National Assembly’s Security Paradox
“This is not just about Ogoni It’s about aligning with global realities and choosing a clean, sustainable path forward. The time to end fossil fuel extraction in Ogoniland is now.”
Supporting the campaign, Dennis Legbara of the Civil Rights Council warned that continued oil operations have contributed to declining life expectancy in Ogoni communities.
“The global trend is shifting to renewable energy, but here, the government wants to take us backward. That’s unacceptable,” Legbara said. While urging communities to resist token payments in exchange for long-term environmental degradation.
“No amount of money is worth destroying our land, water, and future. We must rise and embrace clean energy.”
Also speaking, Melubari Nwiluka, a local woman leader, decried the impact of pollution on women’s livelihoods and food security.
“Our rivers are black, our soil is poisoned. We can’t farm anymore. This campaign is timely and necessary,” she lamented.
The campaign marks a growing resistance among grassroots communities and environmental advocates against fossil fuel activities in Ogoniland, as they call for a shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
