Stakeholders call for remediation of communities affected by oil spill

Stakeholders have called for the remediation of communities affected by oil spillage in the country.

Speaking after the fiscal accountability for inequality reduction (FAIR4ALL) media colloquium and exhibition in Abuja, Hamza Tijani, country director of Oxfam, said the event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat inequality and promote fairness in society.

Tijani said the vision of the organisation is to see a society where wealth is distributed equitably, and voices are heard regardless of gender or background.

“The FAIR4ALL project, now in its third year, has achieved significant milestones within the framework of its Oxfam Country Strategy-OCS during its second year of implementation,” he said.

“These accomplishments include notable outcomes, compelling human-interest stories collected by the media team, successful monitoring visits, strengthened partnerships, improved regulatory framework, and the mobilization of numerous communities to advocate for a just distribution of natural resources and inclusive participation in policy-making processes.

“Beyond the project’s boundaries, the Just Economies Pillar of the OCS has played a complementary role by advancing access to finance and inputs for rural farmers, engaging in the budget process, supporting youth entrepreneurship, promoting fair taxation, civic inclusion, climate and gender justice.

“At the core of the FAIR4ALL event is a shared vision—a vision of a society where opportunities are not privileges but birthright, wealth is distributed equitably, and voices are heard regardless of gender or background.

“The concept of fairness is not just a term but a lived reality that participants are working tirelessly to achieve.”

During a panel discussion at the event, panelists addressed several key focus points among which were collaborative efforts against corruption and addressing the root causes of corruption within the nation.

Panellists were drawn from government agencies, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Code of Conduct Bureau, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Speaking on the outcome of the panel discussion, the Oxfam country representative, said the discussants urged NOSDRA to identify local governments, states, and communities, affected by oil spillage in the country and remedy them.

He added that NESREA has expressed its readiness to address complaints related to environmental degradation, adding that the partnership with civil society organisations was encouraged to safeguard the environment.

“The FAIR4ALL media colloquium and exhibition provided a platform for diverse stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and strategize for a more equitable and just society,” he said.

“The commitment of government agencies, the diplomatic community and civil society to collaborate towards these goals is a promising step forward.”