Ogoni youths are demanding 500 jobs from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as preparations continue for a possible return of oil exploration to the area.
The demand, made by the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), is far above the 40 employment slots reportedly allocated to Ogoni youths by the oil company as part of efforts to build confidence around the proposed resumption of operations.
The youth group says the initial allocation is inadequate given Ogoniland’s history of oil production and the economic hardship experienced during the decades-long suspension of oil activities.
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Ogoni Youths Plan National Congress
The OYF is also preparing to convene a national congress of Ogoni youths to address growing disagreements surrounding the proposed return of oil exploration.
The Planning Committee for the congress was inaugurated in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
Speaking at the event, OYF Worldwide President-General Legborsi Yamaabana said the gathering would provide a platform for young people to deliberate on the major issues arising from the proposed resumption of oil and gas activities.
He acknowledged the renewed attention from the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu towards reopening oil operations in Ogoniland after more than three decades.
But he stressed that any new development must address more than the return of oil production.
‘Environmental Justice Must Come First’
According to Yamaabana, the Ogoni people expect future engagement to be guided by environmental protection, fair economic benefits and respect for the rights and dignity of local communities.
He argued that the Ogoni struggle remains relevant because decisions taken now could influence the future of sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
For the youth organisation, the proposed return of oil activity is therefore not simply an economic opportunity. It is also a question of how the people of Ogoni will benefit from resources extracted from their land and how past environmental concerns will be addressed.
Why OYF Wants 500 Jobs
The federation has urged Ogoni youths to remain calm over the reported 40 positions allocated by NNPCL and its subsidiaries.
But the group insists that the number is far too small.
OYF described the 40 positions as insufficient when measured against what it considers the area’s historical contribution to Nigeria’s oil economy and the length of time its young people have been excluded from meaningful opportunities.
The federation said the issue should not become a source of conflict among Ogoni communities.
Instead, it wants the matter addressed collectively at the proposed youth congress.
‘Ogoni Youths Will Not Settle for Tokenism’
OYF said the reported 40-job allocation should not trigger competition or divisions among local leaders and young people.
The federation appealed to political, traditional and community leaders to avoid confrontation and maintain peace while broader discussions continue.
It also warned against allowing a limited number of opportunities to divide the community.
The group’s position is that the forthcoming congress should establish a broader and more representative demand for employment.
At least 500 direct positions within NNPCL and its subsidiaries will be sought for qualified Ogoni youths, according to the federation.
A Bigger Debate Over Oil’s Return
The employment demand comes as discussions over the possible resumption of oil and gas operations in Ogoniland continue to generate strong reactions.
For the OYF, the central issue is not merely how many jobs are offered.
It wants the return of oil activity to be accompanied by meaningful local participation, economic inclusion and safeguards for the environment.
The federation’s planned congress is expected to bring these questions into a wider discussion among Ogoni youths.
After more than three decades without regular oil production in the area, the debate is increasingly shifting from whether activity should resume to what conditions should govern that return—and who should benefit from it.