The Ogoni people have been a member of the UNPO since 1993. 

The Ogoni people’s distinct cultural identity and their ongoing struggles against environmental degradation, socio-economic marginalization, and political exclusion highlight their status as a vulnerable and oppressed group within Nigeria. Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, the Ogoni community continues to fight for their rights, environmental justice, and the preservation of their environmental, political and cultural heritage. Ensuring that the Ogoni people can exercise their right to self-determination, including equal participation and representation in political processes, is essential for addressing the historical and ongoing injustices they endure and working for a sustainable development and preservation of the environment in the region. 

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the Ogoni people as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from the Ogoni community. However, the main organization representing the rights of the Ogoni within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). You can read more about the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People here.

The Ogoni people have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply connected to their unique environmental and social context. Known for their vibrant traditions, they excel in intricate artistry, including colorful beadwork, woodcarvings, and traditional dances that reflect their history and customs. A strong sense of community and collective resilience characterizes Ogoni identity, shaped by centuries of navigating the challenges posed by both their natural surroundings and external pressures. The Ogoni have a profound spiritual connection to their land, which plays a central role in their cultural practices and rituals, further reinforcing their bond with their environment.

In 1957, the discovery of oil in Ogoniland by Shell Oil Company marked a turning point that dramatically impacted Ogoni society and Nigeria as a whole. The Niger Delta, primarily inhabited by the Ogoni, became the focal point of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing over 85 percent of the country’s GDP. However, what was seen as an economic boon for Nigeria turned out to be a catastrophe for the Ogoni people. The ruthless exploitation of oil in their ancestral homeland led to widespread environmental destruction, severely affecting their livelihoods and traditional way of life. The plight of the Ogoni people gained international attention in the mid-1990s following the execution of Nigerian playwright and Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, then representative of the Ogoni at the UNPO, and eight other Ogoni leaders. Their deaths highlighted the brutal consequences of the Nigerian government’s collaboration with multinational oil companies and the systemic oppression faced by the Ogoni people.

The Ogoni people continue to face severe challenges resulting from decades of oil extraction in the Niger Delta. This extraction has caused extensive environmental damage, including the pollution of water sources, degradation of arable land, and destruction of vital ecosystems. These environmental impacts have crippled the primary livelihoods of the Ogoni, particularly agriculture and fishing, leading to increased poverty and food insecurity. The Ogoni have also endured systemic socio-economic marginalization and political exclusion, which exacerbate the hardships faced by their communities. The lack of adequate infrastructure, healthcare, and educational opportunities further entrenches cycles of poverty, limiting the potential for socio-economic advancement and contributing to social tensions.

Despite these challenges, the Ogoni people remain determined in their fight for rights, environmental justice, and the protection of their homeland. Their advocacy efforts aim to address the root causes of their suffering and secure a sustainable future for their communities. The Ogoni people’s struggle is not just about environmental preservation but also about reclaiming their rights to equal participation in the decisions that affect their lives and securing representation in political processes that have long excluded them.

Since its creation, UNPO has consistently condemned the exploitation of natural resources that harm the environment and threaten the culture and livelihoods of local populations. In particular, the destruction caused by Shell’s activities in Ogoniland, including the development of canals, roads, and pipelines that have infiltrated the Niger Delta’s streams and creeks, is deplorable. The Nigerian government’s continuous neglect of the Ogoni people’s hardships and the lack of consultation with the Ogoni community regarding the exploitation of their land is unacceptable. The UNPO supports the principles of the International Labour Organisation Convention of 169, which advocates for the protection of indigenous communities’ land rights and prevents political decision-making without the consent of those living on these lands. The UNPO works closely with MOSOP to raise awareness about the need to protect the land rights of the Ogoni and other indigenous communities and supports their efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the damage to their environment, culture, and society.