..Cite Lack of Transparency, Allege Exclusion of Impacted Communities Ahead of Proposed Oil Resumption in Ogoniland
An Ogoni pressure group, the Ogoni Generational Thinkers, has called for the immediate public disclosure of the names of Ogoni indigenous contractors reportedly submitted to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, for consideration in contracts linked to the proposed resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland.
The demand was contained in a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Dowel Badom, and made available to journalists.
The group expressed concern over what it described as another opaque process allegedly designed to determine beneficiaries of emerging opportunities in Ogoniland without adequate consultation, disclosure, or accountability.
It specifically called on the leadership of the purported Ogoni Indigenous Contractors to publish the complete list of names submitted to NNPCL and the NSA, particularly in relation to contracts for the servicing of wellheads and other oil-related services.
According to the group, preliminary findings suggest that some individuals and business entities on the submitted list have no verifiable connection to communities directly impacted by decades of oil exploration and environmental degradation. It further alleged that legitimate contractors from affected communities are being excluded from the process.
“It is troubling that a group claiming to represent all Ogoni Indigenous Contractors would submit names, including business names of individuals with no verifiable connection to impacted communities, to the Office of the National Security Adviser and NNPCL for contract consideration, whether for servicing of well heads or other services, while genuine contractors from the impacted communities remain unattended to,” the statement read in part.
The Ogoni Generational Thinkers described the alleged contractors’ list as another troubling secret being kept from the Ogoni public. The group argued that the development raises fresh questions about the conduct and credibility of the Ogoni Dialogue process and the interests being protected by those driving it.
It questioned the role of individuals associated with the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, ODC, stating that the persistent lack of transparency around opportunities, representation, and engagements connected to the proposed oil resumption has further eroded public confidence.
The group maintained that the controversy must be viewed within the context of what it called a growing catalogue of complaints and alleged infractions surrounding those purporting to speak or negotiate on behalf of Ogoni.
The group catalogued several concerns repeatedly raised by stakeholders, including: Lack of transparency in critical decisions affecting Ogoni communities. Failure to disclose beneficiaries of opportunities reportedly allocated to Ogoni. Questions over the distribution of 40 NNPCL employment slots said to have been earmarked for Ogoni youths. Allegations of inclusion of non-Ogoni indigenes among beneficiaries of opportunities meant for Ogoni. Exclusion and marginalisation of genuine stakeholders and communities directly affected by oil pollution. Lack of clarity on who determines beneficiaries and representatives in engagements involving Ogoni. Proposed resumption of oil activities without sufficient public disclosure. Allegations of favouritism, selectivity, and opaque stakeholder engagement. Fear that Ogoni’s collective identity could be appropriated by a few individuals for private benefit.
The group said these issues have created a serious deficit of confidence in some actors involved in the Ogoni Dialogue process.
Consequently, the Ogoni Generational Thinkers called on the leadership of Ogoni Indigenous Contractors to immediately publish the full list of contractors submitted to NNPCL and the NSA.
It said the disclosure should include: names of contractors/companies, communities of origin, local government areas, areas of competence, and the basis for selection or recommendation.
The group also urged NNPCL and the NSA to independently verify the credentials and Ogoni identity of all persons and companies presented as indigenous contractors before any contract award.
It stressed that priority must be given to competent, genuine indigenous contractors from communities that have borne the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of oil exploitation.
“Ogoni people have suffered decades of environmental devastation. We cannot and will not allow the Ogoni identity to be used to cheat our people through secretive and lopsided processes,” the group stated.
The organization clarified that it is not opposed to indigenous contractors participating in oil-related opportunities. Rather, it said its demand is for fairness, inclusion, verifiable representation, and transparency in all processes involving public institutions.
It warned that continued secrecy and alleged favouritism could deepen mistrust, heighten resistance, and create unnecessary tension among communities and stakeholders who feel marginalized.
“Given Ogoni’s painful history, transparency must be non-negotiable,” the group said. It urged all institutions involved in the proposed resumption of oil activities to ensure that no individual, committee, or pressure group is allowed to appropriate the collective identity of Ogoni or determine behind closed doors who benefits from opportunities in the name of the Ogoni people.
The statement was copied to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, the National Security Adviser, the President of MOSOP, the leadership of KAGOTE, and the Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee.