Ogoni Oil Resumption Hits New Roadblock Over Lack of Transparency

The proposed resumption of oil production in Ogoniland after over three decades may be facing new challenges due to concerns raised by the four local government areas that make up the region.

The leadership of KAGOTE, an umbrella body representing Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme local government areas, expressed worries about alleged moves to commence oil-related activities while consultations with the federal government were ongoing.

KAGOTE President Chief Lesi Maol commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to addressing the longstanding concerns of the Ogoni people. He praised the establishment of the dialogue process and the decision to place its coordination under the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu as the federal government's chief negotiator.

However, Maol raised concerns about the conduct of some individuals within the ODC, saying their actions required urgent clarification and intervention to preserve the credibility of the dialogue process. He stated that the lack of clear information from the ODC leadership had created uncertainty within the communities.