The need for the enforcement of already existing policies in relation to the impact of gas flaring in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large has been emphasised.
This is because a lack of political will on the part of Nigerian leaders to implement relevant laws has been an impediment in the fight against abnormalities associated with oil explorations in the Niger Delta.
In a communiqué at the end of a one-day round table meeting organised by ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) in Asaba, stakeholders took a swipe at gas flaring, waste from water channels, and the issue of deforestation, bemoaning that existing policies on climate and environmental change are not implemented.
The communiqué was signed by Mr Andrew Mamedu, County Director, ActionAid Nigeria; Ms Sonia Elohor Somuvie, representative of the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment; Senator Ned Nwoko; Dr Chidi Nwankpa, representative of the Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change; and Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, representative of the Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta; representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association; Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER); the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA); and communities.
The stakeholders, including representatives from the National Assembly, the media, representatives of host communities, civil society organisations, and representatives from traditional rulers, blamed Western banks for funding the activities of multi-national oil companies for oil exploration in the Niger Delta, thus intensifying environmental degradation.
They also lampooned community leaders for compromise as a result of poverty and the divide-and-rule strategy used by the oil companies.
The communiqué called for ways out in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, with a strong penalty for oil companies embarking on gas flaring, adding that all multi-national companies must, as a necessity, have a carbon gas desk.
It advocated for a proper cleanup of areas affected by the effects of the oil spillages in the Niger Delta, fostering good operational relationships amongst community members and leaders, oil companies, and the government.
The stakeholders recommended, among others, that “the federal House committee on climate change should establish a desk office with the host communities for ease of complaints.
“The committee of Niger Delta Affairs should establish a local committee for the coalition of host community complaints as well as rejigging the existing policies on climate and environmental change. ”
The participants advised that the Nigerian government should be given conditions on accessing global funds for environmental issues as well as facilitating conversation amongst key stakeholders affected by the oil exploration in the Niger Delta communities.
While emphasising the importance of strong synergy in the fight for climate and environmental justice in the Niger Delta area, the communiqué urged host communities to start taking advantage of the laws guiding multi-nationals so as to start using them to their advantage.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
AFEX’s crop production report forecasts higher prices for commodities in 2023/2024 season
Africa’s leading commodities player, AFEX, unveiled its 2023 crop production report in a hybrid event hosted at its Abuja office on…
No more union’s industrial strike in Nigerian varsities — Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the federal government to establish synergy with…
Top five benefits of being a Guinness World Record holder
Guinness World Records, GWR, is a British reference book published annually, listing world records both of human achievements and…
Rema: Spotify honours Afrobeats star with 1 billion streams plaque
On a momentous occasion at the iconic O2 arena, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema was honoured by Spotify for his…
Tinubu and Ganduje shouldn’t play with fire in Kano
The Court of Appeal on Friday upheld the verdict of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that…
Man City v Liverpool: 1xBet announces a grand battle in the Premier League
The reliable bookmaker 1xBet talks about the Premier League 13th-round central match, where Manchester City will…
•Laments poor funding of research institutes Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospital, Research Institutes…
By: Jimoh Mumin The Oyo State government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde did…
“I have not knelt since China’s liberation.” Those were the last words she spoke before…
Management of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Kagini Branch on Monday pledged its resolve…
The Organisation of Trade Union Organizations of West Africa, OTUWA, is set to launch a…
In a move to enhance the welfare of the Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners, the Executive…
This website uses cookies.