FG to Resume Oil Production in Ogoniland After 30 Years

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu announced that oil production will soon resume in Ogoniland, Rivers State, following a hiatus of over 30 years. Ribadu made the announcement during a presentation at the APC national summit on Thursday, May 22, 2025. This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s earlier directive to revitalize oil operations in the region.

The decision follows the completion of consultations by the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, which concluded its deliberations in March 2025 and is set to submit its findings to the federal government. The committee’s efforts aim to address historical grievances and ensure that the resumption of oil activities benefits the Ogoni people.

However, the announcement has sparked significant opposition from various groups. A coalition of civil society organizations, including the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has condemned the government’s approach. They argue that the resumption of oil extraction is premature without comprehensive environmental remediation and justice for past injustices.

The coalition demands a $1 trillion fund for cleanup and compensation, the exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni activists, and the full implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland.

Also, Ogoni women groups have also opposed the move, emphasizing that the implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights must precede any oil-related activities. They stressed the need for justice for the atrocities committed against the Ogoni people and the importance of addressing environmental degradation before resuming oil operations.