- They are known for their activism against environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.
- In the 1990s, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), led by Ken Saro-Wiwa, drew global attention to Ogoni land’s environmental destruction.
The Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, has said resuming oil exploration in Ogoni land is premature.
Recall that that President Bola Tinubu on January 21, met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and Ogoni leaders.
This meeting followed demands by civil society organizations for a $1 trillion allocation to clean up the Niger Delta and provide compensation before oil operations resume.
The talks centered on the federal government’s plans to resume oil exploration in Ogoni land.
President Tinubu acknowledged the historical challenges faced by the Ogoni people, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and progress.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Wednesday, Peterside stated that resuming oil exploration in Ogoni is ill-timed until contentious issues are resolved.
The former NIMASA Director-General highlighted the unfair distribution of oil exploration benefits, which neglects the Niger Delta community.
“If I must be sincere with you, it will be premature to resume oil exploration in Oguni land,” Peterside said.
“What I think, and I believe the government has also chosen, is to conduct further consultations, build trust, and demonstrate genuine commitment to real environmental governance.”
Peterside continued, “The challenge has always been the opaque nature of oil exploration in the Niger Delta.”
“The fact that benefits from oil exploration are distributed, excluding the Niger Delta people, raises concerns.”
Peterside stated that creating a university in Ogoni land does not address the environmental injustices the people have suffered.
He emphasized the importance of revisiting the Ogoni Bill of Rights to address the injustices suffered by the Ogoni people.
On February 3, President Tinubu signed a bill establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni, Rivers State.
President Tinubu described the legislation as a step toward addressing environmental justice and expanding educational opportunities in the Niger Delta.
He acknowledged the Ogoni people’s historical struggles, noting that the university reaffirms his administration’s commitment to the region.
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