Environmental Activists Reject FG’s Plan To Resume Oil Extraction In Ogoniland
Environmental activists and civil society stakeholders in Ogoniland have strongly rejected the Federal Government’s renewed push for oil resumption in the area, describing it as a “dirty deal” that prioritizes profit over people.
Led by the Kallop Humanitarian and Environmental Center, the group has launched a campaign in Bori, Rivers State, urging authorities to halt fossil fuel extraction and instead invest in clean, renewable alternatives.
The campaign, supported by Oilwatch International, aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of fossil fuel extraction on the environment and the need to transition to renewable energy sources.
According to Mr. Anthony Aalo, Executive Director of Kallop Humanitarian and Environmental Center, fossil fuel is “dirty energy” and the era of crude oil extraction should end in Ogoniland.
“We are kicking off a campaign to end fossil fuel extraction in Ogoniland because the world is moving away from dirty energy. Ogoni should not be left behind,” Aalo declared.
He dismissed the government’s plan to resume oil operations in Ogoniland, saying it directly contradicts global efforts toward environmental sustainability.
Aalo highlighted the devastating impact of fossil fuel extraction on the environment and the livelihoods of people in Ogoniland. “Fossil fuel has devastated our environment.
The air is polluted, farmlands are destroyed, and livelihoods ruined. We want to move forward to renewable energy,” he said.
The activists are calling on the government to prioritize the well-being of the people and the environment over profit. They argue that renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are cleaner, safer, and more sustainable.
The group is urging the government to invest in renewable energy alternatives that can provide sustainable livelihoods for the people of Ogoniland.
They believe that transitioning to renewable energy will not only protect the environment but also create new economic opportunities for the community.
He insisted that the campaign is peaceful and rooted in non-violence, focusing on dialogue, advocacy, and public enlightenment. “We are not going to confront anyone violently. But we will engage with facts, organize, and make our voices heard. We stand for environmental justice,” Aalo noted.
The activist added that his group would not participate in any consultation or negotiation over oil resumption. “We want the oil left in the ground. We are not interested in discussions or deals. What we want is a clean and livable Ogoni for future generations,” he said.
The gathering also raised concern over the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which reportedly excludes Khana Local Government Area from the Host Communities Development Trust. Activists described this as “discrimination” and “a continuation of injustice,” demanding an urgent review of the law to accommodate all impacted communities.
As the campaign gains traction, environmentalists say Ogoni must not become a sacrifice zone for fossil fuel interests. “This is not just about Ogoni,” Aalo emphasized. “It’s about aligning with global realities and choosing a clean, sustainable path forward. The time to end fossil fuel extraction in Ogoniland is now.”
Also, Mr. Dennis Legbara of the Civil Rights Council echoed the sentiment, warning that oil activities have already reduced life expectancy in Ogoni communities. “The global trend is shifting to renewable energy, but here, the government wants to take us backward. That’s unacceptable,” he stated.
Legbara urged the people not to be swayed by token payments or temporary handouts in exchange for long-term environmental damage. “No amount of money is worth destroying our land, water, and future. We must rise and embrace clean energy,” he added.
Mrs. Melubari Nwiluka, a local woman leader, lamented how pollution has denied women access to their farmlands and threatened food security. “Our rivers are black, our soil is poisoned. We can’t farm anymore. This campaign is timely and necessary,” she said
Environmental Activists Reject FG’s Plan To Resume Oil Extraction In Ogoniland is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
