Former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, has voiced his concerns regarding the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni land, Rivers State.
Reports indicate that oil exploration in Ogoni land was suspended for several years due to environmental concerns, pollution, and the adverse effects of oil drilling on local communities. However, recent developments suggest that the Federal Government is making moves to restart operations, sparking mixed reactions among stakeholders and residents of the region.
On January 21, 2024, President Bola Tinubu, along with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, convened a closed-door meeting with key Ogoni leaders, led by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The discussion centered on reviving oil exploration in the area. Following the meeting, Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to spearhead negotiations with Ogoni stakeholders to explore ways of restarting oil production in the region.
During an interview with Channels Television, Peterside argued that resuming oil exploration in Ogoni land at this time would be premature, as critical unresolved issues remain unaddressed. He emphasized the need for further consultations, trust-building, and a demonstrated commitment to environmental governance before any meaningful progress can be made.
He stated, “If I must be sincere with you, it will be premature to resume oil exploration in Ogoni land. What I think—and I believe this is the approach the government should take—is to conduct further consultations, build trust among the people, and show a genuine commitment to real environmental governance.”
Peterside also pointed out that a major challenge in the Niger Delta, including Ogoni land, has been the lack of transparency in oil exploration activities. He criticized the historical pattern of resource distribution, where the benefits of oil extraction largely exclude the local people.
“The challenge all along has been the opaque nature of oil exploration, not just in Ogoni land but across the entire Niger Delta region,” he said.
“Additionally, the way the benefits derived from oil exploration are distributed—often to the exclusion of the people of the Niger Delta—raises a serious concern. Until we address these issues in a transparent and fair manner, progress will remain slow, and tensions will persist,” he added.