HIC-HLRN endorses the statement from allied civil society organizations that, concerned about the catastrophic consequences of oil spills, gas flaring, and poor remediation efforts, which have left the land, water, and air severely polluted, condemn the planned resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland, Rivers State. The statement follows here below:
Concerned civil society organisations in the Niger Delta met at the Port Harcourt office of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria to deliberate on the recent invitation by the office of the National Security Adviser to the President, Mr Nuhu Ribadu to some Ogoni leaders and stakeholders to a private meeting in Abuja to discuss the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
While recognising and condemning the nation’s dependence on fossil fuel, it is however insensitive for this administration to open any form of discussion with handpicked group of Ogoni leaders for such talks, noting that the overall will of the majority of Ogonis is paramount in this matter.
The groups expressed their unequivocal condemnation of the planned resumption of oil exploration and production activities in Ogoniland. This decision disregards the enduring environmental, social, and economic injustices faced by the Ogoni people and undermines efforts toward sustainable development, environmental justice, community empowerment and cleanup of the devastated environment.
Ogoniland has been a symbol of environmental degradation caused by decades of reckless oil exploitation and decrepit equipment. Reports, including the UNEP Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland of 2011, have documented the catastrophic consequences of oil spills, gas flaring, and poor remediation efforts, leaving the land, water, and air severely polluted. The livelihoods and health of the Ogoni people have suffered immeasurably, with no substantial accountability from the oil industry or adequate redress from the government.
The groups explained that they had expected that this administration would have called for a multi stakeholder meeting in Ogoni land to listen to the plight of the Ogonis and also agree with them on how best to tackle the poverty and hunger occasioned by their loss of livelihoods caused by years of pollution and resultant poisoning of their land and waters.
The forum noted with dismay that two major issues-June 12 and the Ogoni struggle were plaguing the nation when democracy was restored in 1999. The matter of June 12 has been settled with the federal government conferring a national honor of GCFR on MKO Abiola and also recognizing him as the hero of democracy. It is time, Ken Saro-Wiwa is recognized and honoured as the hero of the environment and given his due honour.
Despite numerous calls for justice and transparency, the Nigerian government has been slow in the implementation of the UNEP report recommendations to clean up the land effectively. It is also on record that the government of Nigeria is reluctant to contribute to the ongoing cleanup of Ogoniland and is keeping a blind eye to the atrocious continuation of destructive oil activities across the Niger Delta. The attempt to resume oil extraction in a region already ravaged by environmental neglect further exacerbates the suffering of the people and is an affront on their right to a safe environment. It also disregards their right to free, prior, and informed consent, a fundamental principle under international law.
We demand as follows:
10. Holding oil companies, particularly Shell, accountable for past environmental damages and human rights violations.
11. Demilitarization of the Niger Delta and an end to the intimidation and harassment of environmental activists and local communities.
12. Enforcing strict regulations on oil companies operating in Nigeria.
13. Halt all discussions on divestment until the polluted Niger Delta region is cleaned up.
14. Transitioning to renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels to mitigate environmental harm.
The contemplated resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland poses a significant threat to the fundamental human rights of the Ogoni people and negates Nigeria’s effort at tackling climate change. These include the right to a clean and healthy environment, the right to health, and the right to life. Any attempt to impose extractive activities without addressing these historical injustices will only deepen the mistrust between the government, oil companies, and local communities. The resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland is not only a betrayal of the Ogoni struggle but also a threat to the environment and future generations and a false hope that colonial extractivism promotes positive development. We stand in solidarity with the Ogoni people in their fight for justice and sustainable development.
Signed:
Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative-MEDI
Health of Mother Earth Foundation-HOMEF
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa-CAPPA
Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria
South South Youths Initiative
Peoples Advancement Centre
Environmental Rights Action
Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
Social Action
We The People
Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice-ANEEJ
Lekeh Development Centre
Rainbowwatch Development Centre
Kalop Environmental Centre
Pilex Centre
CEE-HOPE
HEDA Resource Centre
Peace Point Development Foundation
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre-CISLAC
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development-FENRAD
Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law-IHRHL
Photo: Ogoni residents gather around an abandoned oil pump amid the contamination of their land and environment. Source: Land Is Life.
