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Summary
Seventeen groups of Ogoni Women have rejected the proposed resumption of oil extraction in Rivers State.Â
In opposition to the proposed resumption of oil extraction in Ogoni land in Rivers state by the Federal Government of Nigeria, a faction of 17 women groups has rejected the offer, citing environmental devastation and lack of justice to those who lost their lives and properties during the 30 years exploration in the land.
The women made their stance known during a News conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025. This proposed government initiative aims to increase the nation’s oil production to over two million barrels per day by December.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Barileloo Patricia, a programme coordinator, gender and livelihood at Lekeh Development Foundation, criticised the government’s approach.
“It is disconcerting that, amid the rush to resume oil extraction in Ogoniland, the concerns outlined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights – which led to the suspension of oil extraction – have not been addressed,
The atrocities committed against the Ogoni people by the Nigerian security forces remain one of the worst attacks on an indigenous population in Nigeria’s history.
“Those responsible for genocide and human rights abuses against unarmed populations have never been brought to justice, despite openly boasting about their actions.
“For most Ogonis, the events of the 1990s remain an open and painful wound, still awaiting healing through truth and justice,” Ms Patricia added.
She explained that the Ogoni Bill of Rights, adopted in 1990, was a declaration of the Ogoni people’s demand for environmental protection and self-determination.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the coalition includes the Mba Okase Initiative, Eedee Ladies of Tai, De Voice of Eleme Women Association, and League of Queens International.
Others are Gbogbia Feefeelo Women, Lekeh Foundation, We The People, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, Concern Ogoni Daughter, Peoples Advancement Centre, and Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative, among others.
