In a significant move to address the long-standing issues surrounding oil exploration in Ogoniland, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as the chief negotiator for the resumption of oil drilling in the resource-rich but environmentally ravaged region.
The announcement, shared by Sahara Reporters on its official X handle, underscores the government’s renewed focus on resolving decades of tension and ecological damage that have hindered oil production in Ogoniland since 1993.
Oil operations in Ogoniland were suspended over 30 years ago following massive protests by local communities. The unrest was fueled by the environmental degradation caused by the activities of the Shell Petroleum Development Company, which eventually ceased operations in the area under intense pressure. The protests, led by the late Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), exposed the devastating effects of oil exploration on the land and livelihoods of the Ogoni people.
President Tinubu, on Tuesday, hosted a high-profile meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, MOSOP leaders, and other prominent Ogoni figures. Attendees included the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abba; Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh. Also present was Dr. Owens Wiwa, the younger brother of Ken Saro-Wiwa, who has long advocated for the exoneration of his late brother and eight other Ogoni activists executed in 1995 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
During the meeting, President Tinubu acknowledged the historical injustices faced by the Ogoni people due to oil exploration and military interventions. “I am an activist at heart and deeply understand the injustices that have been inflicted upon the Ogoni people by oil companies and the state. We are committed to righting these wrongs,” Tinubu reportedly told the stakeholders.
NSA Ribadu’s appointment as chief negotiator is seen as a calculated step to navigate the complex socio-political landscape of Ogoniland. Following the meeting at the Presidential Villa, the discussions continued at the NSA’s office, reflecting the urgency and depth of the government’s commitment to finding a sustainable resolution.
Ogoni leaders emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating that they would return to consult widely with their people before making any commitments. The government’s decision to host the Ogoni delegation at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel for a two-night stay further underscores the significance of the talks.
Dr. Owens Wiwa reiterated his demand for the Nigerian government to officially exonerate his late brother and other activists who paid the ultimate price for standing against environmental and social injustices.
The resumption of oil drilling in Ogoniland has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy and the environment. While it promises to unlock significant economic benefits for the region and the nation, stakeholders have called for stringent measures to ensure environmental protection and equitable resource distribution.
The successful resolution of the Ogoni crisis would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s management of its natural resources, potentially setting a precedent for addressing similar issues across the Niger Delta. The appointment of NSA Ribadu as chief negotiator signals the Tinubu administration’s determination to navigate this delicate issue with precision and care.
As the Ogoni leaders return to their communities for consultations, the nation watches closely, hopeful that this initiative will usher in a new era of justice, development, and environmental stewardship in Ogoniland.
PIONEER NEWS 