Concerned civil society organisations in the Niger Delta have asked the Nigerian government to halt plans to resume oil production in Ogoni Land.
They expressed their unequivocal condemnation of the planned resumption of oil exploration and production activities in Ogoniland stating that the decision disregards the enduring environmental, social, and economic injustices faced by the Ogoni people.
The groups, which include local and international organizations that advocate for environmental justice, expressed their disapproval of the government’s approach to the issue.
While they acknowledged Nigeria’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, they argued that the planned discussions with a selected group of Ogoni leaders were not only insensitive but also disregarded the will of the majority of the Ogoni people.
“It is however very insensitive for this administration to open any form of discussion with a selected group of Ogoni leaders for such talks.
“The overall will of the majority of Ogonis supersedes the view of the select few,” the organisations said.
The civil society groups lamented that the environmental degradation has significantly impacted the livelihoods and health of the Ogoni people, with no substantial accountability from the oil industry or the government.
They also expressed disappointment that the current administration had not prioritized addressing the needs of the Ogoni people
The civil society groups demanded an immediate halt to any plans for oil extraction in Ogoniland until meaningful consultations with the Ogoni people are conducted and the damaged environment is fully remediated.
“The Ogoniland has been a symbol of the devastating consequences of reckless oil extraction. Decades of oil spills, gas flaring, and poor remediation have left the land, water, and air severely polluted.
“We expected this administration to call for a multi-stakeholder meeting in Ogoniland to listen to the grievances of the people and come to an agreement on how to tackle the poverty and hunger caused by the pollution of their land,” they said.
The groups also reflected on the broader historical context, raising that two significant issues—June 12 and the Ogoni struggle—were central when democracy was restored in 1999. While the government has since honored MKO Abiola for his role in the struggle for democracy, the fight for justice for the Ogoni people remains unresolved.
“It is high time Ken Saro-Wiwa is recognized and honred as the hero of the environment, and given his due Badge of Honour,” they demanded.
According to the groups, despite years of calls for justice and transparency, the Nigerian government has made little progress in implementing the UNEP report’s recommendations for cleaning up Ogoniland.
“The Nigerian government is yet to contribute a single kobo towards the ongoing cleanup efforts,” the civil society groups pointed out, further criticizing the decision to resume oil extraction in a region already devastated by environmental neglect.
The groups also emphasized the violation of the Ogoni people’s right to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), a fundamental principle under international law. They argued that any attempt to resume oil extraction without addressing the historical injustices of the region would exacerbate the suffering of the people and worsen their trust in both the government and the oil companies.
In their statement, the organizations outlined several key demands that they believe must be met before any discussions on oil resumption can continue. “We demand the halt of all plans for resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland until there is meaningful consultation with the Ogoni people and full remediation of the environmental damages,” they declared.
Other demands include the cessation of new oil exploration in the Niger Delta, the immediate and total cleanup of the region, and the establishment of a one trillion US dollar fund for the cleanup and compensation for the loss of livelihoods. The groups also called for the review of the military trial and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni martyrs, as well as their exoneration.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of the confiscated Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Bus, which has been held by Nigerian Customs since 2015,” the statement continued. Additionally, the groups called for the full implementation of the UNEP report and for more funding to be allocated to HYPREP to expedite the cleanup process in Ogoniland.
The civil society groups also stressed the importance of community participation in decisions affecting Ogoniland, ensuring that all such decisions are made with the respect for the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the communities.
Another demand is the accountability of oil companies, particularly Shell, for the environmental damages and human rights violations they have caused in the region. The groups also called for the demilitarization of the Niger Delta and an end to the intimidation and harassment of environmental activists and local communities.
In their final demands, the groups called for stricter regulations on oil companies operating in Nigeria, halting all discussions on divestment until the Niger Delta is cleaned up, and transitioning to renewable energy to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
“The resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland poses a significant threat to the fundamental human rights of the Ogoni people, including their right to a clean and healthy environment, health, and life,” the statement concluded. “Any attempt to impose extractive activities without addressing these historical injustices will only deepen the mistrust between the government, oil companies, and local communities. We stand in solidarity with the Ogoni people in their fight for justice and sustainable development.”
The statement was jointly signed by Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), CEE-HOPE Nigeria, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), HEDA Resource Centre, Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL) and Kalop Environmental Centre.
Other signatories include; Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, Lekeh Development Centre, Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative (MEDI), Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria, Peace Point Development Foundation, Peoples Advancement Centre, Pilex Centre, Rainbowwatch Development Centre, Social Action, South South Youths Initiative, and We The People.