Oil Resumption in Ogoniland: A Double-Edged Sword for State Creation

The proposed resumption of oil production in Ogoniland could potentially grant the Ogoni people significant political leverage in their long-standing quest for state creation, but only if tied to clear safeguards. According to a study titled 'The Ogoni Political Game for State Creation: Would Oil Resumption Benefit the Federal Government of Nigeria or the Ogoni People?' authored by Moses Savior Taaboo, oil resumption would primarily benefit the federal government and Rivers State, with the Ogoni communities not automatically receiving a corresponding share of petroleum wealth.

The study emphasizes that any decision to resume oil production should take into account environmental remediation, livelihood restoration, healthcare, compensation, and long-term ecological monitoring. It recommends negotiations covering these aspects before allowing oil resumption, as well as employment quotas, local contracting, scholarships, technical training, infrastructure, healthcare, water supply, agricultural and fishing restoration, electricity, technology centers, and community development funds.

The study cautions that oil production alone cannot create a new state. According to the 1999 Constitution, state creation involves support from relevant members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, local government councils, followed by a referendum and further approval at the state and federal levels. The study suggests an inclusive negotiating framework bringing together traditional rulers, elected representatives, youth and women groups, civil society organizations, environmental experts, professionals, academics, political organizations, and representatives of the different Ogoni kingdoms to establish a common negotiating position.