The Ogoni Youth Federation has demanded at least 500 employment opportunities from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as discussions continue over the proposed resumption of oil and gas operations in Ogoniland.
The demand follows controversy over 40 employment slots reportedly allocated to Ogoni youths as part of confidence building measures connected with renewed oil activity.
OYF President General Legborsi Yamaabana said the 40 positions were inadequate when measured against what he described as Ogoni’s historical contribution and sacrifice.
The organization is preparing a national youth congress to discuss employment, environmental justice, benefit sharing and other issues connected with the planned return of petroleum operations.
Yamaabana said Ogoniland had reached a critical point after more than three decades without oil production.
He acknowledged the Federal Government’s renewed engagement under President Bola Tinubu but said any return to exploration had to respect the rights and future of local communities.
The youth organization said environmental restoration and equitable participation should be central to negotiations.
It also appealed for calm among political, traditional and community leaders over the existing 40 job opportunities.
OYF warned that the limited allocation should not trigger internal conflict.
The group said the forthcoming congress would formally demand a minimum of 500 direct jobs within NNPCL and its subsidiaries for qualified Ogoni youths.
Yamaabana described the employment issue as part of a wider economic exclusion that had affected young people during the long suspension of oil operations.
The proposed resumption of production remains politically and socially sensitive because of Ogoni’s history of environmental damage, community mobilization and conflict over petroleum development. The youth congress is expected to articulate a broader position on the
