Nearly 30 Years After the Ogoni 9 Tragedy, Nigerians Are Still Resisting Oil Colonialism
Mar 5, 2024
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Ugochi Anyaka Oluigbo, a committed reporter covering environmental activism in the Niger Delta, joins Fine Boy Kuku, a former print journalist and MOSOP member living in exile. They discuss Shell's recent shift to offshore drilling while leaving a legacy of pollution and unrest in Nigeria. The duo highlights the Ogoni people's ongoing fight for justice, the brutal suppression of protests, and the pressing need for accountability from foreign oil giants. Personal stories reveal the deep scars of environmental and social injustice that continue to fuel resistance.
Despite Shell's announcement to shift offshore, Nigeria faces long-term environmental degradation and political crises from its oil industry legacy.
Activists in Nigeria continue to resist oil colonialism, advocating for accountability and meaningful environmental restoration amid ongoing repression and violence.
Deep dives
The Fossil Fuel Industry's Focus on Africa
The fossil fuel industry is increasingly targeting Africa for new energy projects, presenting them as solutions to poverty and energy shortages. However, much of the oil produced is exported to wealthier nations, benefiting oil majors while leaving local populations with minimal gains. Despite claims that fossil fuel development will provide funding for climate adaptation, historical evidence suggests that such development rarely translates into real benefits for the countries involved. This reliance on foreign investment to address climate issues highlights a significant gap in international climate negotiations and the distrust that developing nations feel towards oil companies.
The Nigerian Oil Crisis and Local Impacts
Nigeria, home to Africa's oldest and most extensive fossil fuel industry, exemplifies the challenges of oil wealth without widespread benefit. The country has the world's lowest energy access rates, with a wealth disparity that has enriched a few while leaving the majority vulnerable to environmental degradation. Communities in the Niger Delta have suffered extensively from pollution, receiving no meaningful compensation or support following oil spills that have devastated their land and livelihoods. Protests against oil companies like Shell have led to violent suppression and a long history of local activism, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice in these regions.
Activism and Resistance in Ogoniland
Activists in Ogoniland, Nigeria, continue to fight against the environmental degradation caused by oil industry operations, despite decades of brutal repression. Memorial events commemorate the tragic execution of the Ogoni Nine, who opposed oil exploitation, signaling a persistent resistance against extractive practices. The local population has faced significant criminalization for their activism, as well as violence from both the government and oil companies. Current generations of activists remain committed to seeking justice and environmental restoration, emphasizing the need for global attention to their plight and sustainable solutions for their communities.
Legal Battles and the Future of Oil Exploration
Legal actions against oil companies have gained momentum, with international courts beginning to hold firms accountable for environmental damages caused in Nigeria. Community members have successfully sued companies like Shell in the UK for compensation related to chronic oil spills, but the amounts remain inadequate for true restoration and support. With ongoing pollution and lack of governmental accountability, local communities continue to push back against the oil industry, demanding thorough environmental remediation. This struggle illustrates a broader trend of environmental litigation gaining traction globally, particularly against multinationals operating in vulnerable regions.
Shell announced in late 2023 that it would be shutting down all of its onshore activities in Nigeria and concentrating its efforts offshore. It leaves behind poisoned water, multiple political and economic crises, and a country that is measurably worse off today than when its oil industry began. Meanwhile the government continues to target environmental activists.