“Tinubu’s Directive to Resume Oil Production in Ogoni Sparks Debate Over Unresolved Issues”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent directive to Ogoni leaders to consult with their people in preparation for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland has stirred mixed reactions, with critics arguing that the core issues that halted production over three decades ago remain unaddressed.
During a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, President Tinubu urged the leaders to engage in broader consultations as a prelude to restarting oil operations in Ogoniland. However, the gathering did not touch on the fundamental demands that led to the suspension of oil production in 1993.
The Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), which outlines key issues such as self-determination, environmental protection, and compensation for the destruction caused by oil operations, has remained largely unmet. Senator Bennett Birabi, a key signatory to the OBR, stated, “Our struggle was never just about oil; it was about our rights and the devastation of our land. What we are left with are only pipelines.”
In response to the President’s position, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center (YEAC-Nigeria), criticized the approach, calling it premature. “Tinubu’s directive to prioritize oil production while sidelining the issues that caused its cessation in 1993 is like putting the cart before the horse,” Fyneface remarked. He emphasized that the consultation should focus on addressing the historical grievances of the Ogoni people, such as environmental degradation and the need for compensation, before oil extraction is discussed. “It feels like the government is coercing the people, forcing oil production on them without addressing the fundamental demands that led to the stoppage in the first place.”
Fegalo Nsuke, President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), who was not part of the delegation to the Villa, viewed the consultation as an opportunity to push for a fair resolution. “While the President’s intentions may be positive, Ogoni must organize and ensure that its demands for justice and development are central to any discussions about oil resumption,” Nsuke stated. He reiterated the need for the government to address the injustices of the past, including the execution of 10 Ogoni leaders in 1995, before proceeding with oil operations.
The importance of Ogoniland in Nigeria’s oil economy cannot be overstated, as the region contains one of the largest oil mining licenses in the country, with fields like Asaramatoru and Oza. Prior to the 1993 crisis, Ogoniland produced over 500,000 barrels of oil daily, making it a significant contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue. This potential has led to previous attempts, such as the 2005 Presidential Peace and Reconciliation Committee (PPRC) and the 2020 Bodo/Bonny road project, to resolve the conflict and resume oil production.
Despite these efforts, the Ogoni people have steadfastly resisted clandestine deals aimed at resuming oil production without addressing their core grievances. Under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, efforts to resume oil exploration were met with strong opposition from MOSOP, which led to a deadlock in negotiations.
As President Tinubu’s government aims to breathe new life into Ogoni’s oil sector, it remains to be seen whether the diplomatic approach will succeed where previous administrations have faltered. Critics argue that without addressing the demands of the Ogoni people, any attempt to restart oil production risks reigniting past tensions and prolonging the region’s struggle for justice and development.
