Ogoni groups oppose planned oil exploration resumption, demand environmental justice

Environmental justice organisations and civil society groups have opposed plans to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State, insisting that outstanding environmental liabilities, historical injustices and the concerns of affected communities must be addressed before any fresh extraction activities begin.

The groups made their position known at a joint press conference held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the office of Environmental Rights Action (ERA) in Port Harcourt.

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The gathering brought together environmental rights advocates, civil society organisations and other concerned stakeholders to challenge the proposed resumption of oil exploration and demand greater transparency and accountability in the process.

The organisations argued that Ogoniland should not be expected to accept renewed oil exploration while the consequences of decades of pollution, environmental degradation and the loss of livelihoods remain unresolved.

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According to the groups, any discussion about restarting oil production must take into account the environmental damage suffered by host communities and the need for justice for affected residents.

They maintained that renewed extraction without addressing existing environmental liabilities would undermine efforts to restore the Niger Delta and could further erode public confidence in the management of the region’s natural resources.

The organisations also called for the genuine participation of affected communities in decisions concerning the future of their land, stressing that development must be accompanied by justice, accountability and environmental protection.

They warned against an extractive economic model that generates revenue while leaving host communities to bear the environmental and social costs.
The groups described the press conference as the beginning of a renewed collective campaign to defend Ogoniland and demand a just and sustainable future for the Niger Delta.

They further insisted that the proposed resumption process must be subjected to public scrutiny, with the concerns and interests of the Ogoni people given due consideration.

Ogoniland has a long history of oil-related environmental pollution and disputes over the impact of petroleum operations on local communities. The region has remained a focal point of environmental justice campaigns and demands for remediation, accountability and improved living conditions.

The groups concluded their position with a firm rejection of oil resumption without the resolution of outstanding environmental concerns, declaring: “No oil resumption in Ogoniland. Clean up the Niger Delta.”

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