The NDC Senatorial Candidate for Rivers South-East, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, has opposed any resumption of oil exploration and production in Ogoniland without justice, environmental remediation, transparency, and the consent of host communities.
Abiante, who represents the Andoni–Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made his position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, amid ongoing discussions over the proposed return of oil activities to Ogoniland.
He said that while the need for economic growth and energy security was understandable, such interests must not override the rights, health and dignity of the Ogoni people, who have endured decades of environmental pollution, economic hardship and destruction of traditional livelihoods.
According to him, genuine reconciliation and justice must precede any attempt to restart oil production in the area.
Abiante argued that the historical grievances of the Ogoni people, including those contained in the Ogoni Bill of Rights, must be addressed, stressing that decisions concerning the region should no longer be imposed on communities without meaningful consultation.
He also called for substantial and measurable progress in the implementation of the environmental remediation programme recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The lawmaker said clean water, restored farmlands, rehabilitated waterways, mangrove restoration and protection of public health must be treated as prerequisites rather than afterthoughts.
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On community participation, Abiante urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure transparency in ongoing discussions, warning against allowing individuals or groups to claim exclusive representation of Ogoniland.
He called for the involvement of traditional institutions, host communities, youth and women groups, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in the process.
The senator further insisted that any future oil production arrangement must guarantee tangible and sustainable benefits for host communities.
He advocated investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, environmental protection, local businesses and employment opportunities for young people.
According to Abiante, the people of Ogoniland should not continue to bear the environmental consequences of oil exploration while others enjoy its economic benefits.
He urged the Federal Government, Office of the National Security Adviser, regulatory agencies, NNPC Limited, prospective operators and other stakeholders to approach the ongoing dialogue with caution, transparency and respect for the people.
Abiante said the current discussions provided an opportunity to correct past mistakes and establish a relationship built on trust, justice and shared prosperity.
“Ogoniland must not be asked to choose between development and dignity. We can and must have both,” he said.
