Ogoni Coalition Commends President Tinubu, Demands Transparency, Justice Before Oil Resumption

Following the careful consultations on the economic and political affairs and future  of Ogoni nation, the National Union of Ogoni Students International NUOS INTL USA, Center For Democracy Human Rights and Anti Corruption, CDHRAC INTL USA, The Unseen Project, NYCOP Worldwide and NYCOP Nigeria and a Coalition of Ogoni - based environmental and community organizations on Monday issued a strong statements commending and appreciating President Bola Tinubu’s leadership intention to address the long -standing issue of oil theft and  environmental degradation by Shell and NNPC in Ogoniland.

The coalition, in a statement, expressed its appreciation to President Tinubu and the Ogoni dialogue committee for their hard work and efforts to jump start discussion on resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland. 

However, the coalition insisted on full transparency as a prerequisite of any further consultation. 

The statement was signed by the President of NUOS INT'L USA, Pius Barikpoa Nwinee, Secretary General of NUOS INT'L USA, Sampson Npimnee, the Coordinator of CDHRAC INT'L USA, Cornelius Dumerenee, and the Secretary CDHRAC INT'L USA, Toate Ganago on behalf of the coalition of environmental and community organizations in Ogoni, and dated Monday October 13, 2025.

"We demand that the committee position paper should be published immediately for public review. This is to ensure that the process is corrupt free, transparent, inclusive, and serves the collective interest of all Ogoni people and the Nigeria public, rather than being hijacked by a handful of individuals or families," they said.

While appreciating the President's initial steps, the coalition voiced significance concerns over recent developments it described as "poor judgment" including the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State and endorsement of Shell / NNPC default controversial sale of OML 11. 

These actions, the group said, risk undermining trust and defraud the people of Rivers state.

In light of these concerns, the coalition realigned its position to focus on five central, non- negotiable demand that must be met before any discussion of oil resumption can proceed.

This they said, include the creation of Bori State "to address decades of political and economic marginalization,.saying that the creation of Bori State is essential for the self determination and sustainable development of the Ogoni people.

"The relinquishment of OML11 to Ogoni people: Ogoni oil is not for sale. We demand that Shell and NNPC bequeath OML 11 mining lease to the Ogoni people. 

"We shall not stand and watch Shell/NNPC be continuously rewarded for its legacy of pollution, destruction and harming our historical heritage, nor will we mortgage our children further.

"The exoneration of Ken Saro Wiwa and eight Ogoni activists: there can be no economic reconciliation without justice. 

"We demand the complete and unconditional exoneration of Ken Saro Wiwa and eight Ogoni activists and other unnamed victims of state persecution.

"The Ogoni people remain deeply concerned about the ongoing cleanup efforts. 

"A leaked internal memo from Shell revealed that the Ogoni area will still not be safe for oil production even after the cleanup exercise. 

"We urge the government to exercise caution and not rush into attempting resuming oil production, as the cleanup process appears to be a mere diversion. 

"Furthermore, we demand an independent re-assessment of the Ogoni environment by the international community to ensure best practices and a safe environment for the Ogoni people before any oil production can resume.

"Regarding an oil spill compensation for an Ogoni community, we have received reliable information that NNPC paid $300 million to the Rivers state government, which was misappropriated by a senior government official. 

"We call on the Tinubu administration to investigate the official. 

"The Ogoni people have lost faith in NNPC and demand that the funds be returned to Ogoni before any oil production can commence in Ogoni.

"The coalition affirmed that these five central issues form the bedrock of any further engagement. 

"We are open to dialogue but it must be dialogue founded on transparency and justice and the principle rooted on a fair chance for Ogoni people and the common Nigerian and not corporate greed," they said.