Ogoni Youths Demand 500 NNPC Jobs as Oil Resumption Sparks Tension

Ogoni youths have demanded at least 500 direct jobs from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as plans to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland generate disagreements over the 40 employment slots already allocated to the area. The Ogoni Youth Federation said the slots were inadequate given the community’s long-standing sacrifices and called for calm ahead of a national youth congress.

Daniel Momodu · August 22, 2026 · 49

Ogoni youths in Rivers State have demanded 500 direct employment opportunities from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as the Federal Government moves towards resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland.

The demand was made by the Ogoni Youth Federation during the inauguration of the planning committee for the Ogoni Youth National Congress 2026 in Port Harcourt.

The President-General of the federation, Legborsi Yamaabana, said the congress was necessary to address growing concerns and divisions surrounding the proposed resumption of oil and gas exploration in the area.

Yamaabana commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for renewed attention to the reopening of oil activities in Ogoniland after more than three decades of suspension.

He, however, stressed that any engagement on the resumption must prioritise environmental justice, equitable benefit-sharing and the rights and future of the Ogoni people, particularly youths.

The youth leader said the 40 employment slots reportedly allocated to Ogoni youths by NNPCL and its subsidiaries were inadequate considering the community’s historical contribution to the nation’s economy.

He therefore said the federation would formally demand a minimum of 500 direct employment opportunities for qualified Ogoni youths at the forthcoming congress.

Yamaabana urged political, traditional and community leaders to avoid disagreements over the 40 slots, describing the allocation as insufficient and warning that it should not become a source of division among the people.

He said the Ogoni Youth National Congress would provide a platform for broad-based discussions on the proposed oil exploration, youth employment, environmental concerns and the future of the region.

He also alleged that some individuals were attempting to undermine efforts towards a peaceful resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.

The planning committee was tasked with developing an operational framework for the congress and mobilising youth groups and other stakeholders to participate physically and virtually.