KEY POINTS
- Ogoni groups reject oil resumption without Shell withdrawing OML 11.
- Coalition says it has no confidence in the Federal Government’s dialogue committee.
- Groups renew demands for justice, environmental restoration and implementation of Ogoni’s demands.
Ogoni diaspora organisations, youth groups and civil society groups have rejected plans to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland, insisting that Shell must first withdraw its proposed divestment of Oil Mining Lease 11 from the London Stock Exchange.
The coalition also declared that it had no confidence in the Federal Government-appointed Ogoni Dialogue Committee, accusing the body of undermining the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People and failing to properly address the longstanding concerns of the Ogoni people.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 10, 2026, the groups said meaningful discussions about the future of oil operations in Ogoniland could not take place without first addressing what they described as decades of environmental damage, oil theft and economic injustice.
The statement was signed by Edwards Adookor, Acting President of the National Union of Ogoni Students International USA; Sira Mark, Coordinator of The Unseen Project; Silvernus Alesaa, President of Youth & Civil Society; and Ignatius Ganago, President of CDHRAC International USA.
Groups reject Ogoni Dialogue Committee
The coalition criticised the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, led by Professor Don Baridam, saying it lacked the credibility required to lead discussions on the future of oil exploration in the area.
The groups alleged that the committee’s activities could weaken MOSOP’s position as a major representative voice in the Ogoni struggle.
They argued that any credible dialogue must begin with the historical grievances of the Ogoni people, particularly their concerns over the impact of oil production and the relationship between Shell and communities in the region.
According to the coalition, Shell must take responsibility for what it described as 68 years of oil theft, environmental degradation, commercial exploitation and economic injustice before any discussion about restarting oil production can gain the confidence of the people.
A central issue in the coalition’s opposition is Shell’s proposed sale of its interest in OML 11, which the groups said is valued at about $2.4 billion.
The coalition argued that OML 11 represents more than a commercial asset because of its connection to the history of oil production and conflict in Ogoniland.
The groups alleged that Shell cannot dispose of the asset without the consent of the Ogoni people, arguing that the company has not operated in Ogoni for more than three decades.
