Features
Checking Violence Through Efficient Intelligence
Intelligence is variously defined as a whole gamut of evaluated and processed information needed to make policy decisions with regard to business, security, economy and politics.
For military theorists, strategists and tacticians; diplomatists and political scientists, however, Intelligence exudes a national security connotation with an aura of secrecy.
By experts’ analyses, Intelligence proceeds in five stages that include requirements’ setting, information/data collation, evaluation, communication and their application by the appropriate authority, to achieve certain ends in connection with established interests.
Nigeria as a country, has had too much of violent upheavals over the years, often resulting in enormous loss of lives and property; and even posing threats to the nation’s corporate existence.
“Communal and sectarian crises have continually wreaked havoc on this nation. There have been bombings, kidnappings, Niger Delta restiveness, assassinations, the Boko Haram palaver, the Jos crises, other sectarian outlashes now and then,” Dr Joe Elema, a Benin-based political scientist, recalls.
“In fact, some of these crises almost degenerated into some kind of insurgencies,” moans Miss Florence Bilewu, a Lagos-based public affairs analyst.
No doubt, the combined effect of these crises has been catastrophic on the nation’s image and economy, many perceptive analysts say.
While the Boko Haram and Jos crises are still very fresh in the memory of many Nigerians, the recent acts of violence that trailed the conduct of the last general elections have compelled some Nigerians to critically appraise the effectiveness of Intelligence management by the country’s security services.
Not a few Nigerians have alluded to Intelligence failure; in the sense that the security services did not detect and prevent the crises from exploding into mayhems that led to loss of lives and property.
“Such a failure invariably opens up a ‘window of vulnerability’ in the nation’s search for unity, stability and economic development,” says Elema.
Mr Achu Ben-Olayi, Director of the State Security Service (SSS) in Lagos State, tacitly admits a kind of intelligence failure in Nigeria, partly due to “the lack of political will among the ruling class and the selfish interests of politicians”.
He spoke at a conference jointly organised by the Nigerian Institute of Industrial Security and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Lagos recently.
“The job of the SSS is to proactively procure Intelligence for the maintenance of internal security. The decisive application of the Intelligence lies with other agencies.
“A disconnect in the process has led to national security challenges such as sectarian crisis, domestic terrorism, high-profile assassinations, sabotage of vital national installations and institutions, religious fundamentalism and extremism,” he stressed.
Ben-Olayi’s viewpoint is most apt, particularly as security experts insist that the five-stage procedure for intelligence management could fail at any stage due to “visible and invisible variables”, which play themselves out in a labyrinth of complexities.
For these reasons, among others, the experts advise that Intelligence received at any stage must be ‘ ‘timely, accurate and understandable” and should take full advantage of the use of the most sophisticated electronic means available in this age.
Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, the acting Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, underscores the necessity for effective and efficient Intelligence in the country.
He urges all stakeholders in the country’s security circles to come together to brainstorm, to ensure enhanced intelligence-gathering and management, so as to combat emerging terrorism threats in the country.
He stresses that such discussions should aim at educating Nigerians on the roles of the citizens in national security.
“Terrorism is an invisible battle ….. we need to know how to work with Intelligence agencies on providing information on suspects,” he says.
While alluding to the recent killing of Osama bin Laden by the U.S. Navy’s Seals, Akinterinwa said that the incident has generated issues for public discourse, adding that these include a reflection on terrorism and the struggle against global injustice.
“While Osama was considered by some as a terrorist, some others saw him as a martyr. However, what is responsible for his actions are issues that should be critically appraised,” he says.
He urges the Nigerian security agencies’ ‘to learn from the Americans’ strategy on intelligence gathering”.
Rudimentary principles of Intelligence requires that certain things needs to be known by decision makers to set certain requirements, while field operatives must know what to gather and keep.
As a corollary, obtained raw data or information must be evaluated to provide the best possible answers to questions initially asked, while the processed information must be passed on to the authority, who should apply them purposefully to national ends.
By implication, therefore, when decision makers choose to ignore the information conveyed, they court disaster, experts say.
They also add that disasters could also arise when faulty judgments are made by the authority because of inaccurate information.
Erstwhile Inspector General of Police, Mr Ogbonnaya Onovo, once assured, in the immediate aftermath of the Baka Haram crises in 2009, that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would “conduct a review of all its intelligence gathering and operational standards in readiness for future challenges”.
How the review has impacted on security challenges of the day, judging by the recent outbursts of violence in some parts of the country, remains a matter for conjecture.
Abubakar Tsav, a former top police boss, once expressed his reservations over the approach of security operatives to crises, in relation to Intelligence gathering.
He then said, in the immediate aftermath of the Baka Haram crisis, that the incident reflected “the failure of Intelligence”.
“In the past, we (Police) had the Special Branch (Intelligence Bureau), which monitored situations and obtained information that were passed to the authorities,” he said.
“The police and other security services have neglected their duties; the Intelligence people seem to only brief the authorities on what they (the authorities) want to hear, so as to be in their good books,” Tsav said.
Besides, the House of Representatives, at one of its plenary sessions, decried the failure of the security services to pre-empt the violence in some parts of the country, which claimed many lives and property.
Rep. Rabe Nasir (PDP-Katsina) and Rep. Aminu Tambuwal (PDP-Sokoto), among others, alleged incompetence on the part of the security agencies for failing to uncover plans by nefarious groups to unleash terror on Nigerians.
Tambuwal alleged that the nation’s security agencies were “on the defensive, instead of being pro-active” in nipping the crises in the bud.
Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, the former Police Public Relations Officer at the Force Headquarters, once defended the police against allegations of inefficiency, arguing that’ ‘there is no foolproof intelligence anywhere in the world”,
“Security is everyone’s business; if you notice any suspicious situation, report it to the appropriate security authorities, Ojukwu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, told the citizens.
Observers say that the May 1 capture and killing of Osama bin Laden by the U.S. Navy’s Seals, underscores the need to have an efficient intelligence network in any country.
While the U.S. chided Pakistan for alleged failure of its Intelligence services to detect bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, the Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani vigorously denied any kind of complicity.
Gilani said that it was, an intelligence failure of the whole world, not just that of Pakistan alone,” adding: “If there are lapses …. from the Pakistan side – that means that there are lapses from the whole world”.
He underscored the necessity for inter-state and inter-agency cooperation in Intelligence gathering and management to curtail threats to the entire human society.
However, Sheikh Mohammed Albany, a Zaria-based Islamic scholar, has once praised Nigeria’s security services for effectively tackling the Boko Haram challenge.
“When the Boko Haram movement started its anti-Western onslaught, security services were informed and they took measures to gather Intelligence about the group,” he said.
He, nonetheless, argued that the security reports were conveyed to the political authorities, which, he claimed, decided not to take prompt action on them.
From all these perspectives, however, security analysts say that security challenges of the times call for astute professionalism to ensure efficiency, as part of efforts to safeguard the people’s lives and property as well as the nation’s integrity.
The NPF, the SSS, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Directorate of Military Intelligence (OM!) are some key institutions that are statutorily saddled with the responsibility of gathering and managing unique kinds of Intelligence.
Specifically, the SSS functions to “ protect and defend the Federal Republic of Nigeria against domestic threats; to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of Nigeria and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to both federal and state law-enforcement organs,” among others.
Perceptive analysts, however, say that in the present age, security outfits which do not engender the support and confidence of the citizens can hardly make any realistic headway in intelligence gathering; hence they must change their public image and perceptions.
Undoubtedly, many citizens view some operatives of the security services with dread, resentment and repulsion, due largely to the overzealous and unfriendly tendencies of some officers.
But reassuringly, Mr Ita Ekpenyong, the new Director-General of SSS, seems to be charting a new course for his agency, on account of his pledge to “expand the frontiers of security management”, in line with the modern trends.
“The frontiers of security management have moved away from the culture of impunity to the friendly frontiers of the rule of law, due process, civility and professionalism,” he said.
Ekpenyong insists: “Democratic changes and their attributes, such as due process, rule of law and respect for human rights, have become very important for us”.
Many analysts agree with his viewpoint at a recent inter-agency workshop for top operatives that’ ‘the services’ operational methods, processes and procedures must change”.
They insist that Nigeria’s security services could still boast of the finest crop of professionals, adding that the security personnel should be encouraged and availed the requisite resources – material and human – to enable them to function proactively, effectively and efficiently.
They, however, acknowledge that Intelligence gathering and management is an expensive and specialized business that gives no room for mediocrity, while failure or timidity of any sort is totally unacceptable, since the consequences could be dire.
In a nutshell, security analysts believe that no resources should be spared by the Federal Government and the security agencies to check incessant violence in the country, so as to engender meaningful national development.
They also re-echo Ekpenyong’s viewpoint on the need for security agencies to respect human dignity and have compassion for the people, while promoting institutional integrity, teamwork, professionalism, resourcefulness and creativity.
Ohain writes for NAN.
Celsus Ohain
The importance of vocational training to the development of any nation cannot be over emphasised. Technical education experts define vocational education as any form of educational program or course that focuses on teaching the specific skills and knowledge required for a particular job or trade. Unlike traditional academic education, which is often broader and theoretical, vocational training is practical, hands-on, and tailored to prepare individuals for specific careers or industries. They also argue that the dearth of trained vocational and middle-level technical manpower represents a very serious gap in the development of third-world countries, including Nigeria. This argument, perhaps, underscores the Federal Government’s bold move towards educational reforms in Nigeria which includes the inculcation of vocational education into the schools curriculum as a way of equipping students with practical skills and enhancing their employability.
A recent statement released by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), indicated that the government has added 15 vocational subjects to the Basic Education curriculum. These additions which take effect from January, 2025, they said, are designed to promote hands-on learning and better prepare students for the job market. The new subjects include: Plumbing, tiling and floor works, POP installation, Event decoration and management, Bakery and Confectionery, Hairstyling, Makeup, Interior Design, GSM Repairs, Satellite/TV Antenna Installation. Others are: CCTV and intercom installation and maintenance, solar installation and maintenance, garment making, agriculture and processing, which covers crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming (e.g., poultry and rabbit rearing) and Basic Digital Literacy, incorporating IT and robotics.
The former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, who earlier hinted on the new curriculum for basic schools during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja, last October, said under the new curriculum, pupils in basic schools will be required to acquire at least two skills. According to the former minister, “The idea is that by the time children finish school, they should have at least two skills. Students should be able to finish school with a minimum of two skills so that they can have a very productive life. “The basis for the curriculum is the National Skills Framework, and it has been approved. It’s a very big project; it affects all schools in Nigeria, public and private.“Whether in the public sector or private sector, all schools are going to implement it. So, this is already determined. It doesn’t require anybody’s consent or any institution can depart from it.
Speaking on implementation, the Mamman said, “We do not expect comprehensive, full implementation from January because, when you roll out something new, there’s a lot of preparation that has to take place by the schools, acquiring new things, equipment, and small things that they will need,” adding that plans were underway to ensure teachers were well-equipped for the new curriculum. He also spoke on the benefits of the curriculum, noting that it would rekindle the desire of parents and students to acquire formal education. Hear him, “Some parents do not want to send their children to school. Right now, part of the problem why schooling has become unattractive is because people finish and there’s no change in their lives. “They cannot be employed. They can’t do anything on their own. So, parents question the value of spending money to send their children to school. “Now it’s going to change that game altogether.
And we have seen how these things resonate with parents. When they are successfully implemented, you will see students will want to run to school every morning. Parents want to take their children to school because they are learning practical things while in school.”The Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Dr Margret Lawani, had also disclosed during the same event that the newly introduced subjects fell under the vocational and entrepreneurship studies framework, which has been designed to expose pupils to various trades across multiple sectors. In the views of some vocational training experts, the decision to include vocational education into the basic school curriculum is plausible as it comes at a time when the nation’s education system is facing mounting criticism for its inability to adequately prepare students for real-world challenges.
They opined that by introducing vocational training at an early age, Nigeria has an opportunity to bridge the gap between formal education and practical skill acquisition. They however noted that the success of this initiative hinges on thoughtful implementation and sustained support. “The problem of Nigeria has never been a dearth of ideas or policies on how to move the country forward. In the past some educationists came up with the idea of 6-3-3-4 system of education whereby Students would be taught introductory technology and other forms of vocational skills at the junior secondary school level to better equip them for the real world in future. What happened to that brilliant idea? How many schools have well-equipped laboratories and well-trained teachers to handle these technical and vocational subjects? “The idea of setting up technical schools and polytechnics across the country is for them to serve as a grooming ground for young Nigerians in the area of technology.
How has the government, both federal and states, supported these schools to succeed? So, our problem is lack of implementation, fragmented policies and lack of sustenance not lack of ideas”, posited one expert. He advised that for the new curriculum to bear positive fruits, the government must take time to sensitize heads and owners of schools, teachers, parents and pupils of both public and private schools on the importance of the subjects and assist the schools in acquiring the necessary equipment and tools for the smooth running of the curriculum. “These subjects being introduced cannot be taught only theoretically as we are used to in this country. They require regular practical classes which will cost some money. Government, via the ministries of education, must vote out money for these practical classes and be ready to supervise schools to ensure that they are doing the right thing,” he added
Noting the importance of vocational training in today’s Nigeria where the rate of unemployment is high, Mr. Abel Ikiriko, a basic technology teacher in a Private School at Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, regretted that vocational training is often seen as a last resort for those who fail academically, leading to low enrolment. He said, “I say this because I am a teacher and I know what we see in school every day. When these vocational subjects are introduced, you will see parents who will go to their children’s schools to make trouble because the children are compelled to learn maybe Hairstyling or something like that. Every parent wants their children to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professions and never skilled persons because for our society, skilled jobs are for the dullards.” “One of the most pressing issues in our labor market is the skills gap. Employers often struggle to find workers with the right skills, despite high unemployment rates. Yet many youths are not willing to be trained in a vocation. They prefer to search for the unavailable white-collar jobs. So unfortunate,” he continued.
Ikiriko said that the inclusion of vocational training in primary schools has benefits that extend beyond future job prospects. “Hands-on activities help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that are essential in any field. Vocational subjects can also provide an alternative pathway for students who may not excel in traditional academic subjects, ensuring that no child is left behind in the education system. Moreover, these subjects can instill a sense of dignity in manual labor and shift societal perceptions about the value of skilled trades.”He advocated for public awareness campaigns so as to change perceptions about vocational education, and showcase its potential to lead to successful careers. Mrs. Meg Amadi, a mother of three pupils is concerned about the curriculum of the primary schools being overloaded, stressing that that is a potential risk.
According to her, primary school students are at a formative stage of their development, and overloading them with too many subjects could lead to cognitive fatigue. She maintained that careful planning is required to ensure that the new vocational subjects complement rather than compete with core academic learning; that they are seamlessly integrated into the broader curriculum without overwhelming students. To maximize the impact of this initiative, she offered the following suggestions: the government must invest in training and retraining teachers to deliver vocational subjects effectively, collaborating with vocational training institutes and NGOs for better result; government should begin with pilot programs in select schools to identify best practices and address challenges before scaling up nationwide; the private sector should be engaged to provide funding, equipment, and expertise for vocational training in schools.
Nonetheless, some analysts are of the view that the addition of 15 vocational subjects to the basic school curriculum is a visionary step toward transforming the nation’s education system and improving the nation’s economy. they hold that if implemented effectively, the initiative will equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world while fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance. They said that with collaborative effort, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders and the right execution, this bold move could serve as a model for other nations seeking to align education with the demands of the 21st century.
Calista Ezeaku
The importance of vocational training to the development of any nation cannot be over emphasised. Technical education experts define vocational education as any form of educational program or course that focuses on teaching the specific skills and knowledge required for a particular job or trade. Unlike traditional academic education, which is often broader and theoretical, vocational training is practical, hands-on, and tailored to prepare individuals for specific careers or industries. They also argue that the dearth of trained vocational and middle-level technical manpower represents a very serious gap in the development of third-world countries, including Nigeria. This argument, perhaps, underscores the Federal Government’s bold move towards educational reforms in Nigeria which includes the inculcation of vocational education into the schools curriculum as a way of equipping students with practical skills and enhancing their employability.
A recent statement released by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), indicated that the government has added 15 vocational subjects to the Basic Education curriculum. These additions which take effect from January, 2025, they said, are designed to promote hands-on learning and better prepare students for the job market. The new subjects include: Plumbing, tiling and floor works, POP installation, Event decoration and management, Bakery and Confectionery, Hairstyling, Makeup, Interior Design, GSM Repairs, Satellite/TV Antenna Installation. Others are: CCTV and intercom installation and maintenance, solar installation and maintenance, garment making, agriculture and processing, which covers crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming (e.g., poultry and rabbit rearing) and Basic Digital Literacy, incorporating IT and robotics.
The former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, who earlier hinted on the new curriculum for basic schools during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja, last October, said under the new curriculum, pupils in basic schools will be required to acquire at least two skills. According to the former minister, “The idea is that by the time children finish school, they should have at least two skills. Students should be able to finish school with a minimum of two skills so that they can have a very productive life. “The basis for the curriculum is the National Skills Framework, and it has been approved. It’s a very big project; it affects all schools in Nigeria, public and private.“Whether in the public sector or private sector, all schools are going to implement it. So, this is already determined. It doesn’t require anybody’s consent or any institution can depart from it.
Speaking on implementation, the Mamman said, “We do not expect comprehensive, full implementation from January because, when you roll out something new, there’s a lot of preparation that has to take place by the schools, acquiring new things, equipment, and small things that they will need,” adding that plans were underway to ensure teachers were well-equipped for the new curriculum. He also spoke on the benefits of the curriculum, noting that it would rekindle the desire of parents and students to acquire formal education. Hear him, “Some parents do not want to send their children to school. Right now, part of the problem why schooling has become unattractive is because people finish and there’s no change in their lives. “They cannot be employed. They can’t do anything on their own. So, parents question the value of spending money to send their children to school. “Now it’s going to change that game altogether.
And we have seen how these things resonate with parents. When they are successfully implemented, you will see students will want to run to school every morning. Parents want to take their children to school because they are learning practical things while in school.”The Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Dr Margret Lawani, had also disclosed during the same event that the newly introduced subjects fell under the vocational and entrepreneurship studies framework, which has been designed to expose pupils to various trades across multiple sectors. In the views of some vocational training experts, the decision to include vocational education into the basic school curriculum is plausible as it comes at a time when the nation’s education system is facing mounting criticism for its inability to adequately prepare students for real-world challenges.
They opined that by introducing vocational training at an early age, Nigeria has an opportunity to bridge the gap between formal education and practical skill acquisition. They however noted that the success of this initiative hinges on thoughtful implementation and sustained support. “The problem of Nigeria has never been a dearth of ideas or policies on how to move the country forward. In the past some educationists came up with the idea of 6-3-3-4 system of education whereby Students would be taught introductory technology and other forms of vocational skills at the junior secondary school level to better equip them for the real world in future. What happened to that brilliant idea? How many schools have well-equipped laboratories and well-trained teachers to handle these technical and vocational subjects? “The idea of setting up technical schools and polytechnics across the country is for them to serve as a grooming ground for young Nigerians in the area of technology.
How has the government, both federal and states, supported these schools to succeed? So, our problem is lack of implementation, fragmented policies and lack of sustenance not lack of ideas”, posited one expert. He advised that for the new curriculum to bear positive fruits, the government must take time to sensitize heads and owners of schools, teachers, parents and pupils of both public and private schools on the importance of the subjects and assist the schools in acquiring the necessary equipment and tools for the smooth running of the curriculum. “These subjects being introduced cannot be taught only theoretically as we are used to in this country. They require regular practical classes which will cost some money. Government, via the ministries of education, must vote out money for these practical classes and be ready to supervise schools to ensure that they are doing the right thing,” he added
Noting the importance of vocational training in today’s Nigeria where the rate of unemployment is high, Mr. Abel Ikiriko, a basic technology teacher in a Private School at Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, regretted that vocational training is often seen as a last resort for those who fail academically, leading to low enrolment. He said, “I say this because I am a teacher and I know what we see in school every day. When these vocational subjects are introduced, you will see parents who will go to their children’s schools to make trouble because the children are compelled to learn maybe Hairstyling or something like that. Every parent wants their children to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professions and never skilled persons because for our society, skilled jobs are for the dullards.” “One of the most pressing issues in our labor market is the skills gap. Employers often struggle to find workers with the right skills, despite high unemployment rates. Yet many youths are not willing to be trained in a vocation. They prefer to search for the unavailable white-collar jobs. So unfortunate,” he continued.
Ikiriko said that the inclusion of vocational training in primary schools has benefits that extend beyond future job prospects. “Hands-on activities help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that are essential in any field. Vocational subjects can also provide an alternative pathway for students who may not excel in traditional academic subjects, ensuring that no child is left behind in the education system. Moreover, these subjects can instill a sense of dignity in manual labor and shift societal perceptions about the value of skilled trades.”He advocated for public awareness campaigns so as to change perceptions about vocational education, and showcase its potential to lead to successful careers. Mrs. Meg Amadi, a mother of three pupils is concerned about the curriculum of the primary schools being overloaded, stressing that that is a potential risk.
According to her, primary school students are at a formative stage of their development, and overloading them with too many subjects could lead to cognitive fatigue. She maintained that careful planning is required to ensure that the new vocational subjects complement rather than compete with core academic learning; that they are seamlessly integrated into the broader curriculum without overwhelming students. To maximize the impact of this initiative, she offered the following suggestions: the government must invest in training and retraining teachers to deliver vocational subjects effectively, collaborating with vocational training institutes and NGOs for better result; government should begin with pilot programs in select schools to identify best practices and address challenges before scaling up nationwide; the private sector should be engaged to provide funding, equipment, and expertise for vocational training in schools.
Nonetheless, some analysts are of the view that the addition of 15 vocational subjects to the basic school curriculum is a visionary step toward transforming the nation’s education system and improving the nation’s economy. they hold that if implemented effectively, the initiative will equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world while fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance. They said that with collaborative effort, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders and the right execution, this bold move could serve as a model for other nations seeking to align education with the demands of the 21st century.
Calista Ezeaku
For three decades or more, there has been a cessation of oil production activities in Ogoni land. But recent meeting of President Bola Tinubu with notable sons and groups may return Ogoni to renewed oil-production once again. Ogonis are weary of perennial neglect. Days after the meeting, President Tinubu gave a nod to the establishment of a University of Environmental Technology in Tai in the Ogoni area. He had earlier-on approved appointments into some federal boards in which some notable Ogonis were among the beneficiaries. The President’s actions and speeches so far have indicated good faith and good intentions. This has urged hard-nosed and irrepressible resistant leaders like Attorney Ledum Mitee, one-time President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), to be in complete agreement with the return to oil production.
He was heard on the news calling on all well- meaning sons and daughters of Ogoniland to accept the offers coming their way. Many Ogonis however, are still doubtful about the President’s intentions. They have said it is all geared towards the Federal Government having access to the rich oil and gas deposits in Ogoni soil. There is also distrust by some who have yet to heal from past injustices inflicted on the land by previous governments in cahoots with the oil majors. Since 1993 when oil production stopped in Ogoni land following intensive protests from the Ogoni people, the Nigerian government and the oil majors stopped reaping from millions of dollars in proceeds from the oil and gas. Lawson Hayford, a veteran journalist, who has reported the Niger Delta for over four decades, particularly the Niger Delta and the Ogoni crisis, said Nigeria has lost revenue amounting to over N30 trillion for the 32 years that oil has not been mined in Ogoni land.
Writing in the Southern Examiner, Hayford said, “While oil exploration and production in the Niger Delta region began in the late 1950s, operations were suspended in Ogoniland in the early 1990s due to disruptions from local public unrests with oil fields and installations remaining largely dormant for about 34 years, leading to a loss of revenue of over N30 trillion. “There are a total of 96 oil wells connected to five flow stations across the four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme in Ogoniland. They were being operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC of Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Royal Dutch Shell.” That story is presently being rewritten by the remediation efforts of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the work of Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, its Project Coordinator.
“Over 50 communities are now enjoying potable water.” As though this was not magic enough, contractors are working hard toward mangrove regeneration not to leave out empowerment programmes for women and people with disabilities. These are stories too good to be true. In addition, the Petroleum Industry Act has also been introduced to take care of some basic needs of the oil communities, especially by tying development of the communities to the operational budgets of the oil companies. The establishment of a host community development trust as a condition for oil mining license holders regarding community development, may well be the magic wand required to turn things around for the Ogonis. A trying present is most likely to give way to a prosperous future. The future of the land and peoples of oil-bearing communities appear brighter with possibilities within this framework.
Environmentalist and lawyer, Iniro Wills, however, strongly thinks that the community-friendly clause in the PIA is only a tiny drop that cannot quench the thirst of the people’s appetite. Only time will tell. A lot of work needs to be done to bring every party in the Ogoni scenario to the table. Some groups are yet to agree with the return of oil production in Ogoniland, while others do not quite agree with the modus operandi adopted to initiate the process. They would all need to be brought together to ventilate their positions so that everyone is taken along together. Last Saturday, the committee that emerged to kickstart a process of the consultations initiated by President Tinubu convened a meeting at Freed Centre, Bori in the heart of Ogoniland. Though it was well attended, proceedings had to be hurried as a group of protesters stormed the venue.
Blessing Wikina, a long time public communications expert from Ogoni however, noted that the Bori meeting was a good landing. He said he was there. He dismissed the slanted reports about the meeting which he said were done to create social media content. He said in his social media handle that the committee deliberately avoided founding the consultations along old ‘loyalty blocs’ and ‘groups of people with entitlement blood.’ “Every Ogoni was to attend as an individual, not as a member of a camp. This approach meant no one would claim success or failure.”
Several factions exist in Ogoniland, including the leading pressure group, MOSOP, and they all need to get involved in the consultations, including those sulking for not being invited to the Abuja parley with the President.
Factional MOSO President, Fegalo Nsuke, recalled how MOSOP championed the Ogoni struggle from the beginning and wondered why MOSOP was not invited to Abuja or the Bori meeting. Hayford said, “sidelining MOSOP in the move to re-enter Ogoniland for oil and gas production could create distrust in the hearts of the Ogoni people, cautioning against rushing the process in order not to generate tension, anxiety and crisis in the landscape of Ogoni area.” Certain that the current process led by President Tinubu would yield good fruit for the Ogoni, Wikina says, he silently prays that “this oil resumption comes sooner, so that our people will participate in productive ventures around our oil economy…..and get benefits like our brothers in Orashi area, Bonny axis, etc.”
He cast a glance at the Bodo-Bonny road that will link mainland Nigeria with the vital island port of Bonny that is passing through Ogoniland. “Shall we wait, watch, as vehicles drive through here, to where lucrative oil businesses are happening…without our involvement? Every party will have to sheathe their sword and embrace the ongoing consultation process that will lead to a prosperous future for the land and the people.
Dagogo Josiah, Olayinka Coker and Emmanuel Obe
Josiah, Coker and Obe wrote in from Port Harcourt.