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.
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