The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on the Federal Government to respect the dignity, rights and welfare of the Ogoni people in its ongoing efforts to resume oil exploration activities in Ogoniland.
MOSOP described the ongoing consultations between the Federal Government and Ogoni stakeholders as a positive step, but warned that any renewed oil activities must avoid the mistakes of the past that led to conflict, environmental devastation and prolonged marginalisation of the area.
Recall that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently led a presidential delegation to Rivers State as part of broad consultations on the planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland. During the visit, Ribadu met with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and commended him for his support in the peace-building process.
The delegation also visited several dormant oil facilities in Ogoniland, including the site of a recent oil spill in Kpean community, Khana Local Government Area, further raising concerns among residents and stakeholders.
Speaking during the 2026 Ogoni Day celebration held in Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland, on Sunday, MOSOP President, Mr Fegalo Nsuke, said renewed oil exploration must be approached with caution and a strong sense of humanity to prevent a repeat of past crises.
According to Nsuke, while MOSOP recognises the importance of oil revenue to national development, such activities must be conducted ethically and with genuine concern for the people whose land bears the burden of extraction.
“While we recognise the importance of oil revenue for development, such activities must be carried out ethically, humanely and with genuine concern for the welfare of the Ogoni people,” he said.
Nsuke urged the Ogoni people to embrace unity and peaceful conflict resolution as key drivers of sustainable development across the four local government areas that make up Ogoniland. He stressed that unity of purpose remains the foundation for building a more prosperous and stable society.
“My message to the Ogoni people is for them to be united for development. We must understand that we need to remain focused on the best ways to resolve our conflicts,” he added.
The MOSOP president recalled the long history of marginalisation and environmental degradation suffered by the Ogoni people due to years of oil exploration, noting that these experiences have left deep scars on both the people and their environment.
However, he said Ogoniland is at a critical turning point and encouraged the people to look beyond the pains of the past and embrace new opportunities for growth and development.
“This is a new dawn for the Ogoni people. We must move forward, accept change and prepare ourselves for the greater opportunities that lie ahead,” Nsuke stated.
He called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusivity, fairness and mutually beneficial arrangements in all engagements concerning Ogoniland. Nsuke also appealed for sustained peace in Ogoni communities, urging that residents should not face renewed persecution under the guise of resuming oil production.
