The debate over oil exploration in Ogoni has once again resurfaced, raising critical concerns about environmental justice, government transparency, and the interests of the local people. Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a former Director-General of NIMASA and public analyst, has cautioned against resuming oil exploration in the region without proper consultations and trust-building.
A History of Struggle and Environmental Degradation
The Ogoni people have long fought against environmental exploitation. Their movement gained momentum in 1990 under the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), leading to the creation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights. This agitation, however, came at a great cost, culminating in the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni leaders in 1995.
In response to years of protests, the Nigerian government commissioned the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report in 2011, which highlighted the severe environmental damage in Ogoni land. The report led to the establishment of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), tasked with executing a cleanup plan. However, progress has been slow, and allegations of corruption have plagued the process.
The UNEP Report and the Cleanup Challenges
The UNEP Report identified Ogoni as one of the most polluted sites in the world, recommending a 25 to 30-year cleanup period. While some progress has been made 20 of the 69 contaminated sites have reportedly been remediated many remain sceptical about the project’s transparency and impact.
Peterside acknowledged efforts made under the Buhari administration, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s engagement with Niger Delta leaders. However, he also pointed to the National Assembly’s probe into the $360 million allocated for the cleanup, citing corruption concerns.
Oil Exploration Without Trust: A Recipe for Crisis
Now, with discussions about resuming oil exploration in Ogoni land, Peterside warns that such a move would be premature. He argues that the government must first engage the Ogoni people, build trust, and demonstrate real commitment to environmental governance.
“The challenge has always been the opaque nature of oil exploration, not just in Ogoni but across the Niger Delta. The benefits of oil are often distributed unfairly, leaving local communities in poverty while outsiders profit,” Peterside stated.
The division among Ogoni leaders along political and ideological lines further complicates the situation. According to Peterside, divide-and-rule tactics by oil companies and government officials have worsened tensions in the region.
What Must Be Done Before Oil Exploration Resumes?
Peterside outlined four key steps that must be taken before any discussion of resuming oil exploration in Ogoni:
- Trust-Building and Consultation: The government must engage with Ogoni leaders and communities transparently, addressing past grievances.
- Completion of Cleanup Efforts: The cleanup process must be thorough and credible, with proper oversight to prevent corruption.
- Alternative Livelihoods for Ogoni People: Oil pollution has destroyed farmlands and rivers, stripping locals of their means of survival. Sustainable job opportunities must be provided.
- Transparent Governance Framework for Oil Revenues: A system must be in place to ensure fair distribution of oil wealth to local communities, preventing exploitation.
The Role of Government and the Future of Ogoni Land
Peterside believes the Ogoni Bill of Rights must be revisited as a critical step towards addressing long-standing injustices. He also insists that the focus should not just be on environmental remediation but also on governance and economic inclusion.
“We have made progress, but is it enough? No. The Ogoni struggle must not be reduced to just an environmental issue it is about justice, fairness, and the future of the people,” he added.
The Tinubu administration has promised to establish a university in Ogoni land, but Peterside argues that this is not the solution to environmental injustice. Instead, he calls for a fundamental restructuring of oil exploration policies to ensure that Ogoni people are not marginalised in the resource-sharing process.
A Crossroads for Ogoni and the Niger Delta
As discussions on oil exploration continue, Ogoni remains at a crossroads. The region’s history of resistance has made it a symbol of environmental justice in Nigeria. The decision to resume oil drilling must be approached with caution, ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
The fate of Ogoni is tied to a larger narrative one that will define whether Nigeria can truly balance its economic interests with environmental responsibility and social justice.
