Religious leaders and civil society organisations from the Niger Delta want the suspension of oil exploration in Ogoniland, citing severe environmental degradation and the failure to implement key recommendations from a United Nations report.
They made the call during a two-day human rights workshop organised by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) in Abuja.
Participants, including representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Christian Council of Nigeria, expressed deep concern over renewed oil exploration plans despite unresolved pollution and poor living conditions in host communities.
The workshop highlighted the neglect of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, in policy discussions and remediation efforts.
International oil companies were criticised for failing to provide adequate compensation to affected communities and for disregarding environmental regulations.
Key recommendations included a demand for the Nigerian government to halt oil exploration in Ogoniland until the 2011 UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report is fully implemented.
The statement was endorsed by prominent figures, including Most Rev. Benebo Manuel of the Christian Council of Nigeria and Rev David Ugolor of ANEEJ.
Credit: FRCN
