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Nigeria Moves Toward Data-Driven Environmental Governance As NOSDRA Tops Integrity Index

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Nigeria Moves Toward Data-Driven Environmental Governance As NOSDRA Tops Integrity Index

The Federal Government has commended the top ranking recognition of the National Oil Spill Detection Agency (NOSDRA) in Nigeria’s Transparency and Integrity Index.

Mallam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, the Minister of Environment, made the commendation in Abuja, at the unveiling of NOSDRA’s compendium of achievements and relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map.

Abbas-Lawal stated that NOSDRA’s recognition as a top-performing agency in Nigeria’s transparency and integrity index for both 2023 and 2024 was a testament to its commitment to service delivery.

The minister said that under the watch of Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, NOSDRA’s Director-General, the agency had shown exceptional commitment to oil spill detection.

He said that NOSDRA’s proactive performance was a sign of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to environmental protection, accountability, and sustainable development.

Abbas-Lawal further said that the compendium and the updated ESI Map offered a clear and evidence-based record of NOSDRA’s efforts and performance.

“This aligns with the Federal Government’s move toward data-driven environmental governance.

“NOSDRA has completed 1,424 joint investigation visits, recovered 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 spills, and issued 660 closeout certificates for major clean-up projects,” he said.

The minister however expressed concern over the rising cases of artisanal refining, responsible for about 82 per cent of oil spills in the country.

He urged NOSDRA to step up surveillance, community engagement, an enforcement efforts in order to combat the harmful practice.

Abbas-Lawal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment towards supporting NOSDRA to achieve its mission of creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable oil and gas industry.

Mr Edward Omo-Erewa, the Chairman, NOSDRA Governing Board, congratulated Woke and his team for being ‘highly professional’ in the discharge of their duties.

Omo-Erewa described the successes recorded by the agency as a sign of effective leadership, resilience and teamwork.

“NOSDRA’s proactive approach and consistent recognition both nationally and internationally is a proof of its operational excellence,” he said.

In his remarks, Woke thanked the minister, the governing board, and other stakeholders for their support to the agency.

He said that the compendium and ESI Map relaunch reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency and stewardship.

The D-G stated that NOSDRA relied hugely on technological innovation and platforms such as the oil spill monitor, gas flare tracker, and methane emission tracker to provide real-time environmental data.

He ascribed the agency’s success to the combined efforts of its staff and stakeholders, and promised to maintain strong focus on accountability and innovation.

Nigeria Targets Heart Disease Culprit As NAFDAC Begins Trans Fat Elimination Drive

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Nigeria Targets Heart Disease Culprit As NAFDAC Begins Trans Fat Elimination Drive

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a comprehensive Strategy and Roadmap for Trans-Fatty Acid (TFA) Regulation in Nigeria to strengthen food safety and public health.

This is contained in a statement released Sunday in Abuja by NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, who described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against unhealthy dietary risks.
The statement emphasised that the inauguration reaffirmed NAFDAC’s dedication to protecting citizens from dangerous dietary components associated with heart disease, stroke, and premature death through stronger regulations and improved enforcement mechanisms.

Trans fatty acids — often called trans fats — are a type of unsaturated fat that can have harmful effects on your body, especially when consumed regularly or in large amounts. They’re mostly found in partially hydrogenated oils, used in some processed foods, fried snacks, margarine, and baked goods.

Quoting NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the statement noted that Nigeria had taken bold action by setting limits of not more than two grams of industrially produced trans fats per 100 grams.

Adeyeye explained that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised Nigeria in 2023 as one of seven countries worldwide implementing best-practice trans-fat elimination policies aimed at safeguarding population health and promoting longevity.

She added that the newly inaugurated roadmap outlined a phased strategy focusing on food industry reformulation, laboratory strengthening, compliance monitoring, public education, and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable implementation.

Adeyeye further disclosed that with support from partners such as WHO and Resolve to Save Lives, NAFDAC had expanded its laboratory capacity to analyse trans fats, accelerating nationwide implementation efforts.

The Director-General urged government agencies, industry leaders, civil society, and consumers to collaborate toward WHO validation, stressing that eliminating industrially produced trans fats in Nigeria was both urgent and entirely achievable.

Adeyeye affirmed that the roadmap demonstrated Nigeria’s strong commitment to protecting public health, fostering healthier food practices, and creating a future where citizens were free from the harmful impact of trans-fatty acids.

Police Arrest Herbalist, Stepbrother For Killing Client, Okada Rider

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Police Arrest Herbalist, Stepbrother For Killing Client, Okada Rider

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old herbalist, Amechi Okwuokenye, and his 26-year-old stepbrother, Smart Okwuokenye, for the murder of two victims, including one of the herbalist’s long-time clients, after a failed kidnap-for-ransom plot.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 26th October 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the incident was said to have taken place in Owa-Alidima, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Edafe explained that the case began when 22-year-old Mr Friday Liberty visited the herbalist on 30th September 2025 and never returned home.

“The family, after fruitless efforts to locate him, filed a petition at the Agbor Area Command on 14th October 2025,” he said.

Detectives immediately launched an intelligence-led investigation, which revealed that the last person Liberty contacted was the same herbalist, who initially denied knowledge of his whereabouts.

Acting on intelligence, operatives laid surveillance around the suspect’s shrine and arrested him on 23rd October 2025 while he was hiding inside a refrigerator.

During interrogation, the herbalist confessed that he and his stepbrother kidnapped Liberty and a motorcycle rider, identified as Isioma Ugbeje, who had conveyed Liberty to the shrine.

The suspects reportedly demanded a ransom of N10 million but later killed both victims when their plan failed.

“The herbalist admitted that Liberty was a regular client who often came for charms to hypnotise others into giving him money easily,” Edafe stated. “He also confessed that his brother suggested they kidnap one of his clients for ransom.”

The police confirmed that the decomposing bodies of the victims were recovered from a soakaway pit near the shrine and deposited at a mortuary for autopsy.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, assured the public that justice would be served.

“The Command will ensure that this heinous act is thoroughly investigated and that the culprits face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.

Constitution Review: NASS Committee Recommends Creation Of Six New States Out Of 55 Requests

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Constitution Review: NASS Committee Recommends Creation Of Six New States Out Of 55 Requests

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of six additional states.

This was one of the key resolutions reached at the end of the two-day retreat, co-chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt—Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in Lagos.

The joint committee considered a total of 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests during the retreat.

During the consideration of the 55 requests for state creation on Saturday, the joint committee unanimously resolved that six additional states be created in the country.

If it passes, it would increase the number of states in the country from 36 to 42.

The resolution reads as follows: creation of one additional state in each of the six geopolitical zones: North West, North East, North Central, South West, South South, and South East.

With the approval, South South will now have seven states; South West seven, South East six, North West eight, North East seven, and North Central seven.

The resolution will form part of the report of the joint committee that is expected to be presented to both chambers of the National Assembly in the first week of November.

A principal officer stated that the resolution on state creation was unanimously supported by all lawmakers from both chambers in the spirit of fairness and equity.

The lawmakers also resolved that a subcommittee be created to identify areas from which the six additional states will be carved.

The Chief Whip of the State, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, chairs the Senate Committee to identify the areas.

A member of the subcommittee from the Northwest assured that the committee will review all 55 requests submitted to the National Assembly to develop the six new state proposals.

“We will meticulously review the 55 requests for state creation to come up with the areas where the six new states will be carved from. We will be fair and just to all the promoters of state creation,” he said.

Innocent Mebiri, Clerk of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, was unreachable via phone as of the time of filing this report, as his line did not connect.

Setting the tone for the two-day joint retreat of the Senate and the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos, he appealed to the lawmakers to work towards attaining the promise made to transmit the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly this year.

The retreat was organised to allow members of the joint committees to review the proposed amendments “clause-by-clause.”

“It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and the House of Representatives Constitution Amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters.”

“We have been in this process for the past two years, engaging our constituents, critical stakeholders, institutions, civil society organizations and interest groups; in town hall meetings, interactive sessions and public hearings, harvesting and synthesizing views and perspectives which has ultimately culminated to what we have here today – 69 bills, 55 state creations requests, two boundary adjustment and 278 Local Government creation requests,” Senator Barau was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau emphasised that they were expected to resolve these issues and make recommendations to their colleagues in both chambers.

As FG Remains Adamant, Nigerian Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike, November 1

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As FG Remains Adamant, Nigerian Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike, November 1

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), says it will begin an indefinite nationwide strike from November 1, 2025.

This was contained in a statement released by the president of NARD, Mohammad Suleiman, on Sunday following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier given to the Federal Government over unresolved demands.

The decision was taken after a five-hour meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, NEC, on Saturday.

“The NEC has marshalled out minimum demands, strike monitoring directives, and ‘no work, no pay/no pay, no work’ resolutions needed for a successful execution of this action.

“Today, after a 5-hour Extra-Ordinary National Executive Council Meeting, the members of NEC have issued out new marching orders to us once again.

“The NEC has unanimously directed us to declare a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action to commence on Friday 31st October 2025 at 11:59 pm,” the statement said.

It would be recalled that the association had earlier issued a three-week ultimatum in July before extending the deadline by another three weeks to allow for further dialogue with stakeholders. However, it expressed disappointment that the government has yet to fulfil its promises.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, again issued a fresh 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and other relevant authorities, warning of an imminent nationwide strike if its outstanding demands are not addressed.

According to NARD, many resident doctors are still unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF). It also decried the failure to settle five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS, review, along with other longstanding salary arrears.

The doctors further condemned the non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, as well as what they described as the “unjust downgrading” of membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

They also faulted the persistent delay in issuing certificates to successful candidates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, NPMCN.

On state-level issues, NARD criticised the Kaduna State Government for failing to honour agreements with members at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite signed Memoranda of Understanding.

It also accused the Oyo State Government of neglecting the welfare concerns of doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where an indefinite strike is ongoing.

NARD during its recent 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), gave the Federal Government a 30-day deadline to meet a series of outstanding welfare and policy demands affecting its members.

“Today is the 18th day of the 30-day ultimatum that NARD gave to the Federal Government to implement our demands, among which is the reinstatement of five doctors sacked at FTH Lokoja.

“NARD’s demands include the reinstatement of the sacked doctors, payment of unpaid promotion and salary arrears dating back to five years, unpaid 25 per cent and 35 per cent increment and entitlements,” Suleiman said.

Practice Of Law, Not A Tea Party, Ex-NBA President Tells New Lawyers …Cautions Against Societal Stereotypes, Overreliance On AI

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Practice Of Law, Not A Tea Party, Ex-NBA President Tells New Lawyers …Cautions Against Societal Stereotypes, Overreliance On AI

A renowned legal luminary, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN), has advised legal practitioners across the nation against relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and allowing societal stereotypes to dictate their professional judgment.

The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) gave the advice at a send-forth ceremony in honour of the 42nd Set of Externs in Abuja.

The externs are from the Nigerian Law School on attachment with the law firm of JB Daud& CoCo offices in Abuja, Kaduna and Zaria
The JB Daudu & Co Mentorship Development Programme Series is powered by the Rule of Law Development Foundation.

According to Daudu, the practice of law is not a tea party, adding that it may be one of the simplest courses to study in the university, but also the most difficult profession to practise in real life, on the field.
He said practitioners usually underwent scrutiny from their peers and the public and were bound to be disciplined, to the point of disbarment when they veered off.
“As modem day legal practitioners, essentially of the Gen-Z, be careful not to allow societal stereotypes to determine who you are and how you wll practice this age old profession.
“Many generations from the medieval ages have successfully practiced this profession.
”It is not only about issues of mental wellbeing and safe- spaces, whenever you come under- pressure.”
He told them that as a legal practitioner, they carried a great burden on behalf of the society.
”You carry the burden of ensuring even at a risk to your personal comfort and safety, that the society you live in is a just and egalitarian society.
“You are not only a lawyer to the rich elite.
”You must and are expected to fight, for, and defend the rights of the poor, underprivileged, and the downtrodden in your society.
“We are in an era where modern contraptions and inventions such as, Artificial Intelligence, countless software in the IT world, robotics, and many others compete to offer legal solutions to lawyers.”
He gave an instance of a lawyer who boasted how his chat GPT wrote a brief of argument for him within 20 minutes.
”When he submitted the brief, it was discovered to his embarrassment that the App had loaded him with hypothetical and/or fake judicial precedents,” Daudu said.
He further explained that those tools were what in the past, referred to as handmaids of the law.
”They were not and would never be, a substitute for the human intelligent quotient.”
According to him, one can not take out the humanity in law or tar one’s cases with the brush of artificial intelligence, stressing that every case is different and requires a human touch.

“Your personal skills and individual discretions in the execution of your clients instruction, is paramount andares the key to maintaining the equilibrium of a successful legal practice.

“For every professional act you carry out, financial gain is the least important, what is most paramount is the attainment of law, justice and order, in your society,” Daudu said.

He further gave his opinion on the state of the nation, that had to do with electoral act, the proposed amendments, and the exercise of prerogative of mercy by the president, as provided by the constitution.

“While its use has sometimes sparked public debate, the enduring essence of the prerogative of mercy lies in its reminder that justice, though firm, must never be devoid of humanity.

“Legal system is measured not only by its capacity to punish, but also by its ability.

”Ultimately, the true strength of a legal system is measured not only by its capacity to punish, but also by its ability to forgive, when mercy serves the greater good,” Daudu said.

In the same vein former Secretary General NBA, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, called on the externs to comport themselves in their duties and endeavours.
The Fellow Chartered Institute of Arbitrator was represented by Adamson Akinboro.
He reminded them that they were constantly under the watch of their senior colleagues and their professional conduct.
Akinboro called on the externs to be determined to succeed, believe in God and continue to study as the profession was dynamic.
Other dignitaries, at the occasion including the coordinator and the externs, expressed admiration for Daudu and appreciated the law firm for granting them the opportunity to serve.

Persons With Disabilities In FCT, Cry Out Over Lack Of Jobs

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Persons With Disabilities In FCT, Cry Out Over Lack Of Jobs

Festus Yakubu, President of Original Inhabitants with Disabilities of the FCT, has lamented the high unemployment rate among persons with disabilities, in spite of their educational achievements.

Yakubu, who said this at a capacity building workshop by the group in Abuja on Saturday, noted that the community was deprived of its right to contribute to the growth of society.

He, therefore, sought for empowerment programmes, such as skills acquisition and vocational training, to enable persons with disabilities earn a living.

The event was organised in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation on gender sensitive training and mentorship programme that catered to the needs for girls/women and Boys/Men with disability in FCT.

“Original Inhabitants with Disabilities are educated and we have problem of not being given job and now we are crying on to FCT Administration.

“We the Original Inhabitants with Disabilities of the FCT don’t believe in roaming about the streets you know, in terms of begging for help.

“We have many skills like shoemaking, tailoring, bag making, and so on. You can learn something with your hands or with your head so that you can affect your life positively instead of roaming about the streets,” he said.

He emphasised the need for inclusive policies and decision-making processes that involve persons with disabilities in the FCT Administration.

Also, Mube Awala, a Disability Advocate and Executive Director of the Immigrants Foundation for Women and Children with Disabilities, emphasised on the importance of building the capacity of persons with disabilities to know and own their rights.

He said the training aimed to shift their mindset from self-pity and dependence on others to taking responsibility for their lives.

“We are building their capacity to know, to shift them, do a major shift from what they know as self-pity, reliance on people, depending on government, to own and take responsibility of building their own self-capacity as right holders and to earn a living,” he said.

A Participant, Justina Kennett, a visually impaired special educator, who faced the challenge of accessing public spaces and required accommodations like braille materials and accessible computers, emphasised the need for job opportunities for them.

“They said we should go to school and not beg but I have tried my possible best to go through the four walls of school.

“If I am giving a job, I will be able to deliver. Be it teaching, be it in a rehabilitation centre because as a special educator, I can also work even in the hospital as a counsellor for persons with disability,” she said.

Rivers Peace Efforts Yielding Results, Says Gov Fubara …Promises Rehabilitation of Internal Roads, GSS Akabuka

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Rivers Peace Efforts Yielding Results, Says Gov Fubara …Promises Rehabilitation of Internal Roads, GSS Akabuka

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says ongoing peace efforts in the State are gradually yielding the desired results, insisting that genuine development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and stability.

Governor Fubara made the remarks on Saturday at a civic reception in honour of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, held at Government Secondary School by Akabuka community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

The governor said he was encouraged by growing signs of unity and reconciliation across the state and urged citizens to embrace peace fully so that development projects can flourish.

“We can’t develop in an environment of chaos. We can’t attract any project to Akabuka when there is a problem. Our disposition has always been towards maintaining peace because it is the only way we can move forward,” Governor Fubara said.

Reflecting on the political turbulence of the past two years, the governor said the return of normalcy has opened a new chapter for progress. He noted that political actors who once refused to share the same space are now attending events together, describing the development as “evidence that peace has truly returned to Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara announced immediate plans to begin rehabilitation of internal roads and the renovation of Government Secondary School, Akabuka, the venue of the reception.

“As soon as we leave here, the process for assessing the internal roads will commence. The Ministry of Education will also inspect this school, and we will take prompt action,” he assured.

Governor Fubara thanked the Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, for the role he played in his emergence, saying that he does not take it for granted. He also commended traditional rulers, youths, women, and political stakeholders for their peaceful disposition, unity of purpose, and for standing by his deputy.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu said the reception left her overwhelmed and grateful, describing the turnout as a testament to the peace, unity, and love in her community.

She thanked Governor Fubara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and former Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, for the roles they have played in her public service journey.

Prof Odu highlighted cultural symbols at the event, such as a 21-cannon salute and the rare outing of Ebukele, a traditional performance said to appear only once in a decade, as “proof of Akabuka’s deep appreciation and respect for the Governor.” She praised Governor Fubara as “a man of peace who talks less and acts more.”

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jason Osai, described Odu as “a delightful personality who has brought honour to Akabuka,” while ONELGA Chairman, Shedrack Ogbogu, said the celebration marked the beginning of wider recognition for the Deputy Governor in the LGA.

NDDC Sponsored 650-bed Hostel In Niger Delta University Set For Commissioning

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NDDC Sponsored 650-bed Hostel In Niger Delta University Set For Commissioning

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has assured that its 650-bed hostel complex at the Niger Delta University, in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, will be completed and inaugurated next month.

Speaking during an inspection of the project, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the Commission was committed to enhancing the educational development in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement signed by
Seledi Thompson-Wakama,
Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Ogbuku, who inspected the project in the company of the Vice Chancellor of NDU, Professor Allen Agih, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, and other Directors of the Commission, stated that it was part of the Commission’s efforts to build the capacity of universities in the Niger Delta region.

He observed that the completion of the students’ hostel followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu to ensure that all legacy projects in the Niger Delta were completed and commissioned as quickly as possible.

The NDDC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with NDU in key areas, including infrastructural development, research, and youth empowerment initiatives, to promote sustainable growth and development across the region.

Ogbuku stated that the NDDC had built similar hostels at other universities across the Niger Delta region.

He stated: “We have invested so much in education, not only at the tertiary level but at the primary and secondary school level. Recently, we acquired 45,000 U-Tablets for children at the secondary and primary school levels. This is to help them become acquainted with digital education. It can be used both online and offline so that those who do not have money to pay for private tutors can also use it to learn.”

He said NDDC would assist universities in the region to ensure that their students undertake their studies in comfort, stating: “We are committed to doing whatever has to be done within our capacity to ensure that we add value to the educational system in the Niger Delta.”

Ogbuku observed that the NDDC had donated a 1,000KVA generator and a brand-new 23-seater bus to the university.

He noted that the hostel complex would improve the quality of education, enhance student welfare, and foster a conducive academic environment.

Speaking earlier during a courtesy call at the university’s Senate Building, the NDDC boss urged Nigerian universities to invest more resources and energy in research to ensure their self-sustainability.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Allen Agih, commended the NDDC for its sustained support in advancing education and infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.

He, however, called for more support in the areas of electricity and staff quarters for both academic and non-academic staff of the university.

Prof. Agih remarked that collaboration with the NDDC was imperative, given the university’s limited resources to pursue its objective of positively impacting the Niger Delta region.

The Vice Chancellor thanked the NDDC for donating electricity generators and transformers to the university and appealed for further assistance in addressing the university’s power supply challenges.

He expressed hope that, upon completion, the hostel would address the long-standing accommodation shortage that had affected students at NDU, stating: “The hostel will ease accommodation pressure at the institution. We have about 22,000 students, and only about 10,000 are residents on the university campus.

According to the Vice Chancellor, many undergraduates currently reside off-campus in remote communities, often encountering daily problems with transportation, safety, and limited access to campus facilities.

The NDDC Managing Director and his team also inspected the 50-bed Amassoma hospital, where he pledged to increase capacity to 150 beds and to include a paediatric ward, an Intensive Care Unit, and a laboratory.

Niger Delta Activists Demand Deadline For Gas Flaring, PIA Review

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Niger Delta Activists Demand Deadline For Gas Flaring, PIA Review

Environmental activists, civil society groups, and community representatives across the Niger Delta have demanded an urgent review of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to set a definite deadline for ending gas flaring.

The demand formed part of the resolutions from the Climate Justice Assembly held in Benin City during the launch of “Yasunize and Ogonize the World for Socio-Ecological Wellbeing.”

The assembly was organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF).

The stakeholders described the current provisions as unjust and environmentally destructive.

In a declaration signed by Mr. Stanley Egholo, Cadmus Atake-Enade, and Kome Odhomor, the groups accused the PIA of “failing the region by permitting gas flaring and unfairly blaming communities for pipeline protection.”

They called on the National Assembly to amend the law by removing the power to grant gas-flaring permits from regulatory agencies.

They called for a legislation that fix a date for ending gas flaring, allowing exceptions only for rare and clearly defined emergencies.

“Gas flaring fines should be equal to the market value of the gas and directed to host community funds,” the statement read.

“Remove community responsibility for protecting oil installations. Remove laws criminalizing community protests. Let host communities, not oil companies, control development funds,” the coalition said.

The coalition also demanded a comprehensive audit of the environmental, health, and economic impacts of oil and gas extraction across the Niger Delta.

They referenced the 2011 UNEP Report on Ogoniland, which revealed massive pollution and environmental degradation.

“The destruction across the entire Niger Delta requires immediate clean-up, restoration of damaged ecosystems, and reparations for 64 years of harm,” they said .

They further called for reforms to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urging the government to release the commission’s forensic audit report and prosecute offenders.

“Projects must be based on community-approved needs assessments. Prioritise completing abandoned projects over starting new ones,” the resolution added.

Speaking at the event, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, said the campaign aligned with global calls for climate justice and community-centered ecological recovery.

“Continuing extraction while promoting cleaning up is total foolishness.

“The major drivers of the climate crisis are greed and convenience.

“This meeting feeds into frontline communities’ demands ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

“Although we are not expecting much from COP, we must not give up on advocacy and our demands,” Bassey said.

The HOMEF director added that the “Yasunise and Ogonise” social media campaign aims to connect local struggles for environmental justice in Africa with similar movements in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Other speakers included Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Celestine Akpobari of Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative (MEDI), and representatives of the Edo Civil Society Coalition (EDOCSO) and Gelegele community.

Academic perspectives were shared by Dr Ofuani Sokolo of the University of Benin, who spoke on “Gender, Climate Change and Community Mobilisation.”

HOMEF’s Stanley Egholo and Cadmus Atake-Enade, discussed “Understanding NDAC Manifesto and NSAC Charters” and “Centering Community Voices for Climate Justice.”

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