Ogonis Ready For Oil Production Resumption, But Conditions Must Be Met

The Ogoni people have expressed their willingness to negotiate the resumption of oil production in their land, but only if the Nigerian government is prepared to address the long-standing demands outlined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
This stance follows a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Ogoni leaders in Abuja. While the details of that meeting remain undisclosed, many believe its primary focus was to secure Ogoni consent for the return of oil companies.
Oil production in Ogoniland has been suspended since 1993, following widespread protests led by environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa against the environmental devastation caused by Shell and other oil companies.
The Ogoni people’s resistance stemmed from their desire for greater autonomy, control over their resources, and environmental protection, all of which are enshrined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
Despite numerous attempts by the government and oil companies to resume production, the Ogoni people have remained steadfast in their demands. The government, eager to increase oil output, has repeatedly tried to persuade them to allow the return of oil companies.
Ledum Mitee, a former MOSOP president and close associate of Saro-Wiwa, who attended the Abuja meeting, described the president’s engagement as a positive step. He noted that the president recognized the need for broader consultations within the Ogoni community, which has become increasingly fragmented.
Mitee acknowledged that while the president didn’t explicitly state it, the government undoubtedly has its own agenda. He expects that during future negotiations, both sides will present their respective demands.
A press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Strategy emphasized the President’s commitment to peace, justice, and development in Ogoniland.
Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate upcoming negotiations between the Ogoni people and the government, including representatives from NNPCL, the Ministry of Oil, the Rivers State government, and ONSA.
This inclusion of NNPCL suggests a clear intent to resume oil production.
Legborsi Piagbara, also a former MOSOP president who attended the meeting, stressed that the Ogoni people are open to negotiation but criticized the government’s past approach of prioritizing oil resumption above all other issues.
He argued that the focus must be on addressing the historical injustices and unresolved issues stemming from the Ogoni crisis, including the loss of lives and displacement of communities. He also highlighted the need to address the disparity in resource control laws between oil and solid minerals.
Other Ogoni leaders and activists echoed these sentiments. Douglas Fabeke of the Ogoni Liberation Initiative emphasized the importance of a comprehensive plan based on the Ogoni Bill of Rights. Martha Agbani of Lokiaka Community insisted on addressing the demands for resource ownership, the exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, and a thorough environmental audit.
Fyneface Dumnamene of YEAC-Nigeria called for the resolution of the issues that led to the 1993 suspension of oil production.
NYCOP President Emanuel Barinuazor supported oil resumption but stressed that the process must be Ogoni-led, while Mike Karikpo of Natural Justice warned against resuming production without addressing environmental and community concerns.
Nwibakpo Golden of NYCOP emphasized the need to include Ogoni youth in any future engagements, given the severe impact on their livelihoods.
The Ogoni people’s message is clear: they are ready for negotiations, but only if their fundamental demands, as articulated in the Ogoni Bill of Rights, are placed at the forefront. Until these issues are addressed, the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland remains unlikely.