The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has raised serious alarm over the alleged mismanagement of $300 million (about ₦480 billion) which was meant to improve infrastructure and provide compensation for the Ogoni people in Rivers State. The money, which came from an out-of-court settlement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Ogoni community, was supposed to ease the long-standing oil crisis in the Niger Delta.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, MOSOP President, Mr. Fegalo Nsuke, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent steps by setting up a probe panel to investigate what happened to the huge sum. He described the alleged looting of the fund as “a genocide against the Ogoni people and the Niger Delta region.” Nsuke did not mince words in his criticism, saying the stolen money could have solved basic problems like clean water, steady electricity, good roads, and better education in Ogoniland.
Mr. Nsuke said privileged Ogoni leaders and powerful politicians in Rivers State might have worked together to divert the money for their personal gain. “This is no longer hearsay. We now have strong evidence that some individuals simply shared this money among themselves,” he said. He added that the silence of government officials on the matter makes the situation worse and only fuels suspicion that the authorities may be turning a blind eye.
The $300 million fund, according to MOSOP, was a major opportunity to address the needs of Ogoni communities that have suffered from oil-related environmental damage for decades. Nsuke lamented that despite this opportunity to move forward, the people are still battling with poverty, pollution, and underdevelopment. “We had a solution but greed destroyed it. That is injustice of the worst kind,” he added.
The oil crisis in Ogoni dates back over three decades, especially after Shell Petroleum Development Company stopped operations in the area. MOSOP claims that since then, Nigeria has lost about 6.475 million barrels of oil, valued at over $328 billion, due to poor handling of the situation. Nsuke blamed a lack of commitment to development and poor leadership as part of the problem.
He also touched on historical injustices, calling on the Federal Government to clear the names of the nine Ogoni activists—known as the Ogoni Nine—who were executed during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. He said clearing their names would help promote healing and peace in the region. MOSOP is also demanding an investigation into the reported killings of over 5,000 Ogoni people during years of military presence in the area. The group said it has taken its plea to the United Nations to ensure international awareness and support.
Though Nsuke praised the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoniland, he said one university cannot solve all the problems facing the area. “The university is good, but it’s not enough. We still need water, roads, jobs, and electricity,” he said. MOSOP also reiterated its demand for the implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights and the creation of Bori State, which it believes will bring more fairness and development.
MOSOP believes that probing the missing $300 million is the first step toward justice. The group insists that the money must be accounted for, and if found in private pockets, it should be returned and used for its original purpose—helping the people. “We are no longer in the dark. Ogoni people know what was allocated to them, and they want answers. That money is our right, not a favour,” Nsuke said.
The group emphasized that it is not just about the money but about respect for the people and their struggle. “We have faced too much exploitation and suffering. We want to see action, not just promises,” the MOSOP leader said. The group has called on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society groups, and international bodies to stand with Ogoni in their demand for accountability and justice.
