OPA DEMANDS BORI STATE, OGONI CONGRESS BEFORE OIL RESUMPTION IN OGONILAND
The Ogoni Peoples' Assembly (OPA) has called on the Federal Government to halt any planned signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland until the Ogoni people have been given the opportunity to review and ratify the agreement.
In a press statement issued in Port Harcourt and Bori on September 24, 2026, and signed by the Leader of OPA, Rev. Comr. Probel Williams, the group said any agreement concerning Ogoni land and resources must be subjected to broad consultation and approval through an Ogoni Congress.
The Assembly also made the creation of Bori State a major condition for the resumption of oil production, urging the Federal Government to sponsor an Executive Bill to facilitate the creation of the proposed state.
OPA said it supports the responsible and lawful resumption of oil production in Ogoniland but insisted that such resumption must be based on transparency, environmental safety, due process and meaningful participation by Ogoni communities.
The group expressed concern over reports of a proposed MOU allegedly being prepared for signing in Abuja, claiming that the process could proceed without the creation of Bori State, full environmental verification and adequate consultation with the wider Ogoni population.
OPA demanded the immediate publication of any draft MOU and called on the Ogoni Dialogue and Consultation (ODC) facilitation structure to publicly clarify whether such an agreement exists and whether it has been presented to Ogoni communities for deliberation.
The Assembly also questioned the environmental readiness of Ogoniland, asking whether an independent assessment had been conducted to determine the current condition of the soil, groundwater, air quality and other environmental indicators following the findings of the 2011 UNEP assessment.
It further called for transparency regarding reported employment opportunities and confidence-building projects allegedly provided as part of the dialogue process. OPA specifically demanded the publication of the names and details of 40 persons reportedly employed by NNPC Limited, as well as information on contractors, project locations, contract sums and execution status.
The group also demanded its inclusion in the ODC, arguing that its history of advocacy on environmental justice, HYPREP and the creation of Bori State qualifies it for representation.
On ownership of petroleum resources, OPA called for the portion of OML 11 located within Ogoni territory to be divided into at least seven Petroleum Mining Leases (PMLs).
It further demanded that not less than 60 percent of the resulting licences be reserved, with a right of first refusal, for Ogoni indigenous companies or genuine partnerships involving Ogoni-owned businesses.
According to the Assembly, any licensing process should be transparent, competitive and compliant with applicable petroleum laws, with the beneficial ownership of participating companies fully disclosed.
OPA also called for an Ogoni Congress to be convened before any MOU or other agreement on oil resumption is signed. It said the Congress should include representatives of all Ogoni kingdoms and communities, as well as traditional rulers, elders, women, youths, professionals, clergy, civil society groups and Ogoni in the diaspora.
The Assembly urged Ogoni people to remain vigilant and pursue their demands through peaceful and lawful means.
It called on the Federal Government, ODC, NNPC Limited, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NUPRC and the National Assembly to address its demands, warning that it reserves the right to pursue lawful remedies, including legal and regional or international human rights mechanisms.
OPA maintained that a transparent and inclusive process is necessary for any future resumption of oil production in Ogoniland to achieve lasting legitimacy and acceptance.
