Ogoni Dialogue Committee: No MoU Without Ogoni Leaders Oil Resumption Consent

• The Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) will not sign an oil exploration Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) without credible community congresses.
• These congresses are required across the four Ogoni local government areas to secure the people's consent and confidence.
• The ODC demands that the Federal Government show greater commitment, specifically by constructing the Eleme section of the East-West Road.
• Ogoni leaders support oil resumption for national and local benefit, but only through an inclusive, transparent process with community acceptance.
• Local government chairmen are currently sensitizing communities in preparation for the mandated congresses.

The Ogoni Dialogue Committee has unequivocally stated that it will not endorse any proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government regarding the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland until credible community congresses are successfully conducted across all four local government areas.

The Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) has declared its firm refusal to sign any proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government concerning the reinitiation of oil exploration activities within Ogoniland. This pivotal decision, reached during a recent meeting of 35 ODC members in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, underscores the committee's insistence that legitimate "Ogoni leaders oil resumption consent" is a non-negotiable prerequisite. The ODC mandates that credible community congresses must first be successfully organized and held across all four Ogoni local government areas before any agreement can be formalized.

These comprehensive congresses are deemed essential by the committee to ensure that any future accord with the federal authorities possesses the full consent, legitimacy, and confidence of the Ogoni people. The ODC has been engaged in ongoing discussions with the Federal Government regarding the planned resumption of oil exploration, a process that has been described as painstaking. The committee's stance highlights a critical need for robust "community engagement oil projects Nigeria" to build trust and secure a social license to operate.

Beyond the requirement for community endorsement, the Ogoni Dialogue Committee has also voiced significant concerns regarding the Federal Government's current confidence-building measures. The committee specifically urged the administration led by President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate greater commitment, particularly through the construction of the Eleme section of the East-West Road. Such visible development commitments are considered vital by the ODC for rebuilding trust within the ongoing dialogue process aimed at "President Tinubu Ogoni crisis resolution".

The committee emphasized that any agreement sanctioning the resumption of oil activities must emerge from an inclusive and transparent process, ultimately backed by the unequivocal acceptance of the Ogoni populace. While acknowledging the Federal Government's efforts, including those of National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Department of State Services Director-General Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, the ODC maintains that tangible progress on infrastructure is crucial. This approach ensures that the "Federal Government Ogoniland oil exploration" initiatives are perceived as genuinely beneficial and supported by the affected communities.

Leaders within the Ogoni Dialogue Committee have expressed a collective determination to remain unified and steadfast in protecting the interests of all Ogoni communities. Samuel Nnee, the paramount ruler of Tai Kingdom and convener of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, called for continued unity among members to ensure the successful outcome of the dialogue. He commended President Tinubu's commitment to resolving the Ogoni crisis and facilitating the resumption of oil exploration, while also acknowledging the challenging nature of the engagement.

King Philip Obele of Eleme further reinforced this commitment, stating that the ODC would persistently pursue genuine consultations to craft an agreement that serves the collective interests of the Ogoni people. The committee has resolved to support the Federal Government's objective to resume oil exploration for the benefit of both Nigeria and Ogoniland, provided the stipulated conditions are met. Efforts are underway to harmonize the proposed "Ogoni Dialogue Committee MoU" in line with previous resolutions, with local government chairmen reporting significant progress in sensitizing their respective communities in preparation for the mandated congresses, which are central to securing "Rivers State oil resumption consent".

Lawyers advising energy companies or government entities on resource development projects in Nigeria, particularly in historically sensitive regions like Ogoniland, must ensure robust community engagement and secure free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) as a prerequisite for any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or operational agreement. Failure to conduct credible community congresses and obtain legitimate consent can lead to significant legal and operational delays, reputational damage, and potential litigation, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive social license to operate strategies.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH.