MOSOP Endorses Federal Dialogue to Resolve 33-Year Ogoni Oil Conflict

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has officially thrown its weight behind the ongoing discussions between the Nigerian government and the Ogoni community. The organization expressed strong optimism that these engagements could finally bring an end to the protracted 33-year dispute concerning oil exploration within Ogoniland.

This position was formalized in a communiqué released after an Ogoni National Congress, which MOSOP hosted on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The event took place at the group's Peace and Freedom Centre located in Bori, Rivers State. The congress saw a wide range of Ogoni stakeholders in attendance, including community leaders, youth representatives, traditional rulers, women's groups, politicians, students, and professionals. Participants deliberated on critical challenges facing the Ogoni people before adopting a series of resolutions.

According to the communiqué, which was co-signed by MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke and Secretary-General Alex Akori, the congress lauded the dialogue initiative, specifically noting its coordination by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The document explicitly stated, "Congress welcomed the ongoing dialogue between the federal government and the Ogoni people through the Ogoni Dialogue Committee coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)." It further articulated the congress's stance: "Congress resolved that after 33 years, it is time to seriously pursue avenues to end the conflict between the Ogoni people and the Nigerian oil industry and expressed hopes that the on-going dialogue will lead to mutually beneficial agreements to resolve the Ogoni issues."

Beyond the oil-related conflict, the congress also voiced strong disapproval of the rising incidents of communal violence plaguing Ogoniland. It implored all factions involved to opt for peaceful methods in settling their disagreements. The communiqué highlighted this concern, stating: "Congress expressed strong condemnation of growing inter and intra-communal conflicts within Ogoni and called on all parties to explore peaceful dialogue as a means of resolving disagreements."

Regarding the ongoing discussions with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the congress pressed the authorities to guarantee the honest and transparent execution of all accords reached. The document specifically noted: "Congress called on the Nigerian Government to ensure an honest transparent implementation of all agreements reached with the Ogoni people through the on-going dialogue process."

Furthermore, the assembly issued a plea to the inhabitants of Ogoniland, urging them to foster peaceful coexistence. The communiqué conveyed this message: "Congress called on the Ogoni people to respect and tolerate one another to advance peace and good neighborliness in our communities."

An additional point of concern for the congress was the activities of herders within Ogoni communities. Consequently, it instructed MOSOP's leadership to engage with pertinent stakeholders to find a resolution. The communiqué elaborated: "Congress expressed deep concerns about the activities of herders in Ogoni communities and mandated the leadership of MOSOP to engage the leadership of the Northern Community in Rivers State to find an amicable solution to the problem."

Ogoniland, situated in Rivers State's Niger Delta region, serves as the ancestral home of the Ogoni people. This area, known for its rich fertility, mangrove forests, swamps, and creeks, has unfortunately suffered severe environmental pollution. It has gained international recognition due to its protracted environmental battles stemming from oil exploitation. Presently, Ogoniland remains a focal point for discussions surrounding ecological restoration, local resource governance, human rights, and the potential resumption of oil production, which has been halted for years. The Federal Government continues to engage in dialogue with various Ogoni stakeholders to address these multifaceted challenges.