Stakeholders including church leaders from the Niger Delta region have called for decisive action against environmental and human rights violations in the region.
They made the call on Thursday in Abuja, in a communique after a two-day workshop on Human Rights and Environmental issues in Abuja.
The workshop was aimed at equipping participants with knowledge about the UN human rights system, advocacy strategies, and tools to addressing environmental degradation and human rights violations in the region.
The workshop was organised by the World Council of Churches (WCC), Africa Regional Programme Office in collaboration with the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).
Facilitators included representatives from WCC Geneva, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
The event with the theme “Understanding the United Nations Human Rights System to Strengthen International Advocacy,” brought together church leaders and partners from the Niger Delta, including Ogoniland
Presenting the communiqué, Rt Rev. Leese Nnanna, President of Ogoni Ministers Forum and Methodist Bishop of Ogoni, emphasised the importance of faith-based leadership in championing environmental justice.
Nnanna stressed the need for collaboration among governments, civil society, and international bodies in addressing the pressing issues for the well-being of the affected communities.
He urged the Federal Government to halt oil exploration in Ogoniland until UNEP report recommendations were fully implemented.
He added that multinational oil companies must clean up polluted areas before exiting operations.
He further highlighted severe environmental damages caused by oil exploration in Ogoniland such as ineffective clean-up efforts and neglect of vulnerable groups.
He advocated for stronger environmental accountability from international oil companies (IOCs), inclusive decision-making processes, and sustainable development initiatives.
Similarly, Rev. Evans Onyemara, General Secretary, Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), expressed gratitude to WCC for their support.
He called on the Federal Government and multinational corporations operating in the Niger Delta to ensure sustainable living conditions for affected communities.
He said that the rights of Niger Delta residents to live with dignity must be upheld, urging decisive action to restore their environment and livelihoods.
Onyemara believed that the advocacy efforts would compel authorities to act promptly in ensuring justice and sustainability for the Niger Delta region.
The former President of the CCN, Most Rev. Benebo Fubara called for collective action to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta region.
He emphasised the importance of partnerships in tackling issues like poverty, marginalisation, and environmental degradation.
Highlighting the region’s plight, he urged multinational corporations to adopt sustainable practices while extracting resources from the area.
Fubara appealed to the federal government to heed the cries of the people by ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
“We want to wake up, breathing clean air, find fish in our waters, and farm on our lands.
“This is a clarion call for unity among churches and stakeholders to work towards a just and sustainable future for all Nigerians,” he said.
Rev. Ibrahim Wushishi, Africa Regional Programme Director, WCC, who is also the host, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to fostering peace and unity.
Wushishi underscored the importance of peaceful advocacy rooted in biblical principles, and urged the Niger Delta communities to pursue justice through legal and non-violent means.
He also celebrated the relocation of WCC’s African office from Geneva to Abuja, saying that it marked a significant step in strengthening its presence in the continent.
On her part, Ms Jennifer Philpot-Nissen, Programme Executive for Human Rights and Disarmament, WCC, expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s hospitality.
She commended Nigeria for accepting key recommendations during its last Universal Periodic Review and pledged WCC’s support toward implementing these reforms.
She emphasised the council’s commitment to justice and remediation for affected communities, reaffirming its dedication to walking alongside them in their struggle for equity.