Groups express outrage over resumption of oil extraction in Ogoni

A coalition of civil society organisations in the Niger Delta has condemned the planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The groups, which met at the Port Harcourt office of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, expressed their discontent with the federal government’s decision to discuss the resumption of oil production with a select group of Ogoniland leaders.

Their discontentment was conveyed in a statement by several civil society organisations, including Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative, Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria, South-South Youths Initiative, and Environmental Rights Action, among others.

According to the groups, the move is insensitive and disregards the enduring environmental, social, and economic injustices faced by the Ogoni people.

They argued that the decision undermines efforts toward sustainable development, environmental justice, community empowerment, and cleanup of the devastated environment.

Ogoniland has been a symbol of environmental degradation caused by decades of reckless oil exploitation and decrepit equipment.

Reports, including the U.N. Environmental Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland 2011, have documented the catastrophic consequences of oil spills, gas flaring, and poor remediation efforts, leaving the land, water, and air severely polluted.

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The groups demanded that the government halt all plans for the resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland until there is consultation with the Ogoni people and full remediation of the damaged environment.

They also called for the immediate and total cleanup of the Niger Delta region, compensation of $1 trillion for the loss of livelihoods, and the implementation of the UNEP report recommendations.

The groups demanded a review of the “Kangaroo Military trial” and execution of Ken Sarabae, immediate and unconditional release of the confiscated Ken Saro-Memorial Bus sculpture held by

Nigeria Customs since 2015, and full implementation of the UNEP report.

The groups also stressed the need for community participation and guaranteed that decisions affecting Ogoniland follow the respect for the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the communities.

They demanded accountability from oil companies, particularly Shell, for past environmental damages and human rights violations.

Additionally, the groups called for the demilitarization of the Niger Delta and an end to the intimidation and harassment of environmental activists and local communities, as well, they also demanded the enforcement of strict regulations on oil companies operating in Nigeria.

However, the groups warned that the resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland poses a significant threat to the fundamental human rights of the Ogoni people and negates Nigeria’s effort to tackle climate change.

“We stand in solidarity with the Ogoni people in their fight for justice and sustainable development,” the groups said.