Nigeria loses $226.7bn to 33-year Ogoni Oil shutdown — PINL
…calls for community-led restart
By Daniel Abia, Port Harcourt
Nigeria has lost an estimated $226.734 billion in revenue following the suspension of crude oil production across 96 wells in Ogoniland over the past 33 years, according to figures cited by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited).
The company described the resumption of oil operations in the area as a strategic national priority, but stressed that any restart must be anchored on community participation, environmental sustainability and transparency.
Ogoniland, which falls under Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11, is believed to have the capacity to produce over 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day. However, production was halted in 1993 following prolonged unrest and environmental concerns linked to decades of oil exploration.
Speaking at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations at PINL, said the economic cost of the shutdown highlights the urgency of addressing the situation.
“Available data shows that over $226.734 billion has been lost due to the suspension of crude oil production from 96 oil wells in Ogoniland. This underscores both the cost of inaction and the opportunity ahead,” he said.
PINL outlined key conditions for restarting operations, including full involvement of host communities, sustained environmental remediation, adoption of community-based security frameworks, and increased economic inclusion through jobs, contracts and capacity development.
The company said its position aligns with growing calls in the Niger Delta for a balanced approach that combines economic recovery with environmental justice and community engagement.
“We stand ready to support this process with our experience in stakeholder engagement and infrastructure protection to ensure a peaceful and sustainable resumption,” Mezeh added.
Observers note that any successful return to production will depend on rebuilding trust among stakeholders, addressing longstanding environmental grievances, and ensuring meaningful participation of host communities in decision-making.
PINL maintained that a well-managed resumption of oil production in Ogoniland could significantly boost Nigeria’s output, strengthen national revenue, and support broader economic growth.
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