From: Dr Mfon Utin, Executive Coordinator, HELDI
The global energy transition from oil to gas for cleaner energy sources has been a critical focus since the Paris Agreement, where Nigeria committed to achieving zero gas flaring by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060. Several organizations, both globally and locally, such as the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), have been actively engaging with Nigerian regulators, civil society organizations, grassroots communities, and the media to ensure progress toward these goals.
The recent peace, justice, and sustainable development meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogoni leaders on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in Abuja, along with planned actions for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland, however, raises significant concerns. These concerns stem from ongoing environmental degradation, pollution, destruction of natural resources such as farmlands, water bodies, and wetlands, as well as incomplete cleanup efforts and socio-economic challenges in the region. Inhabitants of Eleme communities in Ogoni are increasingly affected by industrial activities, the high cost of living, and rising tensions due to resource control disputes.
One of the most pressing issues is the incomplete cleanup of polluted sites. Many communities in Ogoniland remain heavily contaminated with oil spills and gas flaring due to decades of oil exploration by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommended a comprehensive cleanup of the region, yet progress has been slow. In some cases, cleanup efforts have been handed over to indigenous contractors who may lack the capacity for effective environmental restoration. The term “abandoned cleanup” has been used to describe these incomplete efforts, leaving many areas still uninhabitable and unsafe for farming and fishing.
Another concern is the apparent neglect of an aspect of the UNEP Report which called on the communities to refrain from pipeline breaches that may aggravate oil spills because you cannot mop the floor while the tap is running. Both the IOCs and the communities owe it a duty to stop further pollution and spills.
Crude oil production is also a major contributor to methane emissions, with reports indicating that about 60% of methane emissions in Nigeria stem from oil and gas activities. The resurgence of oil production in Ogoniland increases the risk of further pollution, harming water bodies, wetlands, and farmlands, thereby threatening the livelihoods of local residents. The poor state of infrastructure, such as the deplorable condition of the major road linking Port Harcourt to Akwa Ibom (East-West Road), further marginalizes affected communities. The lack of proper road networks, clean water supply, and other essential amenities means that local people bear the brunt of industrial activities without corresponding benefits.
The resumption of oil activities also raises concerns about the potential displacement of communities. There is uncertainty regarding whether the government intends to relocate affected people to mitigate exposure to environmental hazards. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) governing the resumption of oil production should clearly outline provisions for community welfare, compensation, and sustainable development initiatives. Transparency and accountability must be ensured to prevent further exploitation of the Ogoni people.
A critical question remains: how will oil production resume without contradicting Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement? Achieving zero gas flaring by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060 will require the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Instead of flaring, associated gas should be captured and processed for power generation, liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, or petrochemical use. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from oil operations by capturing CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) using CO₂ injection allows continued oil extraction while minimizing environmental impact. Diversifying the region’s energy mix with solar, wind, and other renewable sources will help reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The Nigerian government must strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure oil companies comply with emission reduction targets. Test-running new technologies and continuous monitoring of their implementation are necessary for accountability.
The resumption of oil production presents both opportunities and challenges. While some may celebrate potential economic benefits, many remain unaware of the environmental and social consequences. It is crucial that the government and oil companies engage in transparent dialogue, establish well-documented agreements, and prioritize sustainable development initiatives. Infrastructure, healthcare, and education must be improved in affected communities. Cleanup efforts must be completed before any large-scale oil extraction resumes, and alternative economic opportunities should be provided to reduce dependency on oil-related activities.
The international oil companies (IOCs) responsible for decades of environmental damage must be held accountable. Affected people deserve compensation, particularly women who have lost their primary sources of livelihood due to the destruction of farmlands and water bodies. Many of these women are the breadwinners of their families and are actively involved in the fight for environmental justice and protest, especially at Eleme during this period.
Methane emissions remain a global challenge driving climate change, and Nigeria is no exception. Studies show that crude oil activities contribute significantly to methane emissions, and the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland raises serious concerns about the long-term health and survival of local residents. On March 6, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed executive orders aimed at reforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to enhance the investment climate and position the country as the preferred destination for oil and gas investments in Africa. However, the government must ensure that these investments do not come at the expense of environmental safety, local communities, or long-term energy transition goals.
Reports indicate that many people living in oil-producing areas have traces of hydrocarbons in their systems, posing serious health risks. Organizations such as
Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi), Health of Mother Earth
Foundation (HOMEF),
Natural resources governance institute (NRGI), African Initiative for Transparency Accountability & Leadership (AfriTAL), Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre etc have been actively raising awareness, engaging stakeholders, and advocating for environmental justice. NRGI has even launched a guidebook on Nigeria’s energy transition, while HOMEF has developed guidelines for assessing new and emerging technologies in Africa, emphasizing the right procedures, technologies, human rights, and environmental safety.
Another pressing issue is the divestment of international oil companies (IOCs) without proper cleanup efforts. Abandoning polluted areas without adequate remediation further exacerbates environmental and health challenges in the Niger Delta. Achieving zero flaring and net-zero emissions by 2060 requires collective action, strict policy implementation, monitoring mechanisms, and a genuine commitment to environmental justice by the government. The fate of Ogoniland and its people should not be compromised for short-term economic gains.
The future of Niger Delta communities should be a priority for the Nigerian government, focusing on remediation, reparation, and restoration (3Rs). Nigeria must balance economic interests with its global climate commitments to ensure a just and sustainable energy transition. As an organization, Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi) calls on the government and IOCs to take full responsibility for creating a cleaner and safer environment. Gas flaring should be converted into useful gas and other energy sources that can, in turn, improve the country’s economy. Concrete steps toward energy transition must be implemented to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people in Ogoniland, the Niger Delta, and beyond.