The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), a prominent media group, has urged the federal government to abandon plans to drill more oil wells in the Niger Delta.
This follows increased demand for crude oil due to the resumption of operations at refineries in Dangote, Port Harcourt, and Warri.
A report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on January 4, 2025, revealed that the nine Nigerian refineries would require 123.48 million barrels of crude oil in the first half of 2025, with Dangote Refinery receiving the largest share. To meet both domestic and international demand, additional drilling has been proposed.
However, in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF condemned the move, citing decades of exploitation that have left the Niger Delta impoverished and underdeveloped. “We unequivocally oppose further drilling in the Niger Delta without dialogue on oil ownership,” the statement read.
The group highlighted the region’s suffering, including environmental pollution, infrastructure decay, and high mortality rates linked to oil exploration. The IPF called for a review of oil and gas ownership laws through a roundtable discussion before considering any expansion of oil production.
The IPF also criticized the disparity in resource control, pointing out that resources like gold in Zamfara are treated as private assets for locals, whereas oil and gas in the Niger Delta are controlled federally. They demanded similar recognition of Niger Delta resources as belonging to the indigenous people.
The group urged Niger Delta governors, lawmakers, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to oppose further drilling and educate the government on the consequences of its plans. They warned that without proper negotiations, the region could face abandonment, akin to the fate of Oloibiri after its oil reserves were exhausted.
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