Ogoni Local Governments Demand Clarity on Oil Resumption

The four local government areas of Ogoniland—Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme—are raising concerns regarding the proposed resumption of oil production after over three decades. KAGOTE, the umbrella body representing these areas, cautioned against commencing oil-related activities while consultations with the federal government are still ongoing.

Chief Lesi Maol, President of KAGOTE, highlighted that the conduct of some members of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) could jeopardize the credibility of the dialogue process. The ODC was inaugurated by the federal government in January 2025 to engage Ogoni stakeholders and address longstanding issues.

Maol commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to resolving these concerns and noted the importance of the dialogue process, which is coordinated by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. However, he expressed apprehension that certain oil activities might have started without adequate clarification, potentially undermining trust and efforts to rebuild relations between the federal government and the Ogoni people.