By: Chris Nweze
A member of the House of Representatives representing Andoni/Opobo Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Awaji Inombek Abiante, has warned against rushing into the resumption of oil exploration and production in Ogoniland without first addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges that led to the shutdown of oil activities in the area.
Abiante, who is seeking to represent Rivers South-East Senatorial District on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general election, made the position known in a statement on Thursday.Nigerian political analysis
He said Ogoniland holds an important place in the history, culture and socio-economic development of the Niger Delta, but noted that decades of oil exploration had left many communities dealing with environmental pollution, economic hardship and the destruction of traditional livelihoods.
According to the lawmaker, while Nigeria’s need for economic growth and energy security is understandable, those objectives should not come at the expense of the rights, health and future of the Ogoni people.
He therefore said any attempt to resume oil exploration or production in Ogoniland must be preceded by genuine reconciliation, environmental remediation, transparency and meaningful consultation with affected communities.
Abiante said the historical grievances of the Ogoni people, including those contained in the Ogoni Bill of Rights, must be properly addressed rather than ignored in the pursuit of renewed oil production.
“The Federal Government and all corporate actors involved must approach the process with sincerity, humility and openness. The era of decisions being imposed on communities without their meaningful participation must end.
“Peace in Ogoniland cannot be secured merely through political agreements. It must be built on justice, trust and genuine reconciliation.
“The environmental devastation documented by the United Nations Environment Programme cannot be ignored,” he said.
Environmental Remediation Before Oil Resumption
The lawmaker referenced the assessment conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme, which documented extensive environmental contamination in Ogoniland and recommended a comprehensive, long-term programme for restoring the affected environment.
Abiante argued that the Federal Government must demonstrate substantial and measurable progress in implementing the recommended remediation programme before allowing fresh oil extraction to begin.
He said the provision of clean water, restoration of farmland, rehabilitation of waterways, mangrove restoration and protection of public health should form part of the conditions for any future oil activity in the region.
“The people of Ogoniland cannot be asked to accept new oil production while the environmental consequences of past production remain unresolved,” he said.
Abiante also expressed concern over reports that some sections of the Ogoni community were demanding greater transparency regarding ongoing discussions about a possible return of oil activities.
He warned against allowing any individual, group or faction to claim sole authority to speak for Ogoniland.
According to him, any negotiation on the future of oil production must involve legitimate representatives of host communities, traditional institutions, youth and women groups, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
“No agreement reached behind closed doors can substitute for genuine grassroots consent,” he said.
Host Communities Must Benefit
Abiante said that if oil production is eventually considered after meaningful consultation and the fulfilment of agreed environmental and social conditions, the framework must be significantly different from the practices of the past.
He stressed that host communities should receive tangible and sustainable benefits from resources extracted from their land.
Such benefits, he said, should include effective implementation of host-community development provisions, investment in healthcare and education, infrastructure development, environmental protection, support for local businesses and sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
“The people must not merely bear the environmental costs of extraction while others receive the economic benefits.
“Ogoniland and, by extension, the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, deserve a future beyond environmental degradation and resource exploitation.
“Our people deserve clean air, safe drinking water, productive farmland, healthy waterways, decent infrastructure and genuine economic opportunity,” he said.
The lawmaker called on the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser, regulatory agencies, NNPC Limited, prospective operators and other stakeholders to approach the ongoing discussions with caution, transparency and respect for the people of Ogoniland.
He said the current dialogue could provide an opportunity to correct past mistakes and establish a new relationship based on trust, justice and shared economic prosperity.
“Ogoniland must not be asked to choose between development and dignity. We can and must have both,” Abiante said.(The Trumpet)
