Nigeria’s intention to restart oil production in Ogoniland, an area ravaged by environmental damage, has sparked significant backlash from activist groups and local communities. President Bola Tinubu recently engaged with local leaders from this region, aiming to foster discussions about revitalizing oil output after a three-decade absence.
During the meeting, Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration, acknowledging the historical grievances but urging a move forward to heal the community’s wounds. “We can’t change history, but we can make things better in the future,” he stated, appealing for cooperation from Ogoni residents.
The president’s ambition is to elevate Nigeria’s oil production from around 1.5 million barrels per day to 2 million, making Ogoniland integral to his economic strategies. However, local activist Celestine Akpobari criticized the government’s plans, emphasizing that any resumption of production should address the long-standing environmental and social issues faced by the Ogoni people. “It’s like putting a band-aid on a festering wound,” he remarked, pointing to the region’s tragic history, including the execution of notable environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa in the 1990s.
Past attempts to resume oil activities in Ogoniland have failed amid conflict between local groups and oil companies, including Shell, which ceased operations there in 1993. Activists argue that the pressure to commence drilling again overlooks the need for comprehensive cleanup and accountability for past damages.
Many local groups believe the push to restart production disregards the ongoing environmental degradation and people’s suffering. They are calling for concrete steps towards addressing past injustices, including recognizing the wrongful executions of activists like Saro-Wiwa and ensuring significant funding for environmental restoration.
Olanrewaju Suraju, leader of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, noted that while some in Ogoniland might not oppose oil production, there is a deep-rooted skepticism due to the community’s troubling history with oil companies. He queried what assurances the government could provide that this time would be different, stating, “What will change to protect the Ogoni people?”
Despite the varied opinions within the community, Akpobari cautioned supporters of resumption to learn from other oil-producing areas where locals continue to bear the brunt of exploitation. He encapsulated the sentiment by highlighting the struggles faced by communities involved in oil production, where economic benefits have been minimal, and detriments have been significant. “They talk of oil exploration while the region remains littered with the aftermath of spills,” he added.