Dakuku Peterside, former director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Management and Security Agency (NIMASA), shared his thoughts on the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni Land, Rivers.
Naija News The report said that Ogoni’s oil exploration has been suspended for years due to controversy over environmental degradation and other issues.
However, the federal government appears to be considering the possibility of resuming oil exploration on Ogoni lands in many years.
January 21, 2024 President Tinubu Ball Minister of Territory of the Federal Capital (FCT), New Vicka closed meeting was held, and the Ogoni leadership delegation led by Hezhou Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
After the meeting, Tinubu directed the National Security Advisor (NSA), Noah Ribaduthe parties in Ogonilan State, a wealthy Niger region, should be coordinated to resume oil production in the region.
Peterside said in his appearance on channel TV that it would be too early to restore Ogoney’s oil exploration before resolving some of the controversial issues.
He said:If I have to be sincere to you, it will be too early to restore oil exploration on Ogoni lands. I think the part that the government also chooses is to conduct further consultations, build trust and show a real commitment to real environmental governance. ”
The challenge has been the opaque nature of oil exploration, not only on Ogoni lands, but throughout the Niger Delta.
“Moreover, the fact that welfare modes derived from oil exploration are allocated to the people of the Niger Delta is a big question mark. Until we solve this problem in a transparent way, we will not make much progress.” He said.
