MOSOP demands transparency over Ogoni oil talks, NNPCL job slots

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has demanded transparency from the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) regarding the planned resumption of oil exploration in the region. MOSOP stated that openness from the dialogue committee would foster trust among stakeholders and encourage their participation in the dialogue process.

However, MOSOP also called for an investigation into oil production activities that were reportedly ongoing in parts of Ogoni without the consent or social license of the local communities. The umbrella body of the Ogoni people reacted to a statement by the ODC facilitators, led by former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Ben Nanen, titled “Setting the Record Straight on the Ogoni Dialogue Process.”

MOSOP claimed that the response by the ODC did not address concerns over secrecy, lack of transparency, and accountability in the dialogue process. They alleged that the committee's failure to publish the names of beneficiaries and the inclusion of non-indigenes among them deepened suspicion among the Ogoni people, especially as qualified Ogoni graduates faced widespread unemployment.

MOSOP emphasized that the failure to publish the authentic NNPCL-approved list of beneficiaries only fueled doubt and suspicion. The group also criticized the alleged omission of Ban-Ogoi from the ODC's investigation while focusing solely on Alesa-Eleme. MOSOP stressed that its concerns were not about the mandate of the ODC or the distribution of contracts but rather the identities and competence of contractors executing the projects.

They demanded disclosure of project details, including the contractors, scope of work, specifications, and milestones. MOSOP rejected any suggestion that their criticism aimed to frustrate the dialogue process or prevent the resumption of oil production in Ogoni. The group maintained that they were not opposed to the resumption of oil production, provided it was transparent, broad-based, and protected the interests of the people.

MOSOP urged the ODC leadership to address the concerns and change their approach, warning that continued failure to embrace transparency could further erode confidence in the dialogue process.