Advisory to Federal Government regarding International Oil Companies’ Withdrawal

Social Development Integrated Center, an advocacy group, is urging President Bola Tinubu to refrain from approving the withdrawal of international oil companies from the Niger Delta region.

Referred to as Social Action, the Centre suggests that such approvals should be denied until there is a clear, enforceable, and transparent framework that mandates these companies to address environmental degradation and social issues in the Niger Delta in a comprehensive and ethical manner.

Advocating for a thorough cleanup initiative for the whole Niger Delta region, the center calls on the Niger Delta Development Commission to publish its procurement plan yearly to enhance transparency in public spending.

This appeal was part of a 16-point statement issued at the conclusion of a one-day Niger Delta multi-stakeholders developmental and accountability summit held in Port Harcourt.

The summit, organized by the Centre in partnership with ICPC and with the support of the MacArthur Foundation, was themed: ‘Building the Niger Delta Hope: Collaborating for Inclusive Development and Public Accountability.’

In his keynote address, Clifford Oparodu, the Secretary of ICPC, expressed regret over the sporadic unrest and demands for fair resource allocation and control, which have led to tension across the Niger Delta region due to years of neglect by the region’s resource managers.

Oparodu emphasized, “The Niger Delta is crucial to Nigeria’s oil wealth and significantly impacts the nation’s economy as a primary oil-producing region.”

“The discovery of crude oil in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s economic fortunes, constituting 90% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings and 80% of the government budget.

“Despite this advantageous position, it should ideally result in prosperity and development for the citizens of this region. However, what we witness is widespread poverty, pollution, severe environmental degradation, diminished social infrastructure, and marginalization of the indigenous people in the distribution of resources and opportunities stemming from the region’s wealth.

“The unrest and demands for fair resource distribution and control resulting from these issues have fueled palpable tension in the region over time.”

In his welcoming address, Dr. Isaac Osuoka, the Director of Social Action International, stated that the summit’s goal was to reiterate Nigerians’ call to President Bola Tinubu to halt any further withdrawal approvals until there is a clear, enforceable, and transparent framework compelling corporations to address their historical environmental degradation and social misconduct in the Niger Delta comprehensively and ethically.

Osuoka emphasized, “In our collective effort to reshape the future of the Niger Delta, we are faced with a pressing issue that demands urgency and commitment from our government and all stakeholders.”

“The ongoing withdrawal by international oil companies from onshore operations signifies more than just a business transition but a critical moment of accountability for environmental and social scars within the region and our communities.

“We cannot progress towards sustainable development without a commitment to addressing the extensive environmental pollution and social injustices that have plagued our land and communities.

“Today, we reiterate our demand to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, supported by community members in Port Harcourt and civil society leaders: No further withdrawal approvals should be granted to any international oil company, particularly Shell, without a clear, enforceable, and transparent mechanism compelling these corporations to address their historical environmental degradation and social misconduct in the Niger Delta comprehensively and ethically.”

He stressed the need to end the era of neglecting the consequences of decades of environmental degradation and social disempowerment.

He further stated, “We call for tangible actions from President Tinubu that not only match the scale of ecological devastation and community upheaval experienced but also pave the way for healing and equitable progress.”

At the summit’s conclusion, a statement read by Kelechi Amaechi highlighted the following demands: “Transparency in government and community businesses, safeguarding all NDDC projects and facilities.

“Monitoring and reporting on all NDDC project executions for quality assurance, recognition of civil society organizations as part of the community.

“Embracing and advocating the National Ethics and Integrity Policy, promoting good governance at all levels – national, sub-national, and community.

“Enforcing penalties for non-compliance with the Procurement Act and other laws governing the NDDC.

“Encouraging Niger Delta youth to advocate for accountability, transparency, and hard work.

“Stressing the need for all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to view all completed projects as communal endeavors to bridge the gap between the NDDC and the region’s inhabitants.”

Furthermore, the statement insisted on “Inclusivity of all genders for effective collaboration, particularly during needs assessment, and collaboration with various community stakeholders for all needs assessments by the NDDC.”