The Enduring Legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Fight for Economic Justice in Nigeria
The month of November holds a sombre significance for the Niger Delta, as it marks 28 years since the tragic killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa, a revered figure in the region’s history. Saro-Wiwa was a vocal advocate for environmental justice and the rights of the Ogoni people and paid the ultimate price for his unwavering commitment to questioning the exploitation and devastation of the Niger Delta.
Saro-Wiwa’s fearless activism in demanding fair treatment for his people and their land led to his imprisonment and ultimately his untimely death at the hands of the Abacha regime. His execution, alongside eight comrades, on November 10, 1995, served as a stark reminder of the deep-seated economic and social injustices plaguing the Niger Delta.
In the years following Saro-Wiwa’s tragic demise, his legacy has continued to inspire a new generation of activists and advocates for economic justice across Nigeria. The fight for fair compensation and recognition of the environmental and social impact of resource exploitation has gained momentum, as evidenced by recent developments in states like Niger and Zamfara.
Governor Mohammed Bago’s demand for over N1 trillion in derivation claims for the use of hydroelectric dams in Niger State echoes the calls for justice that Saro-Wiwa championed. Similarly, Zamfara State’s establishment of a “gold reserve” and the ensuing controversy surrounding the distribution of proceeds from natural resources highlight the enduring relevance of the issues Saro-Wiwa fought for.
However, the question remains whether the current crop of leaders and advocates are willing to make the same sacrifices as Saro-Wiwa in driving meaningful change. The need for a fundamental shift in the ownership and distribution of resources in Nigeria cannot be overstated, and it is crucial that leaders are willing to commit to this cause, even at the expense of their own immediate material interests.
While successive governments have implemented initiatives such as the 13 per cent derivation fund and the Niger Delta Development Commission, these efforts have fallen short of addressing the root causes of economic and environmental injustices in the Niger Delta. The time has come for a holistic approach that tackles the systemic issues perpetuating this crisis.
The proposed Minerals and Mining Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, which was presented to the National Assembly in 2023, represents an opportunity to effect meaningful change in the resource ownership framework. However, genuine commitment and decisive action are necessary to ensure that this bill is not just another token gesture, but a definitive step towards realizing the justice that Saro-Wiwa and his comrades fought for.
As Nigeria grapples with the legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the ongoing struggle for economic justice, it is imperative that we honour his memory by continuing the fight for a fair and equitable future for all Nigerians. The road to justice may be long and arduous, but the sacrifices of Saro-Wiwa and countless others demand nothing less.
Vincent Obia, Journalist, Lagos
