20/06/2024
Niger Delta Leaders Convene in Abuja for Landmark Summit
Niger Delta Oil and Gas Summit commenced a three-day pre-summit conference in Abuja from Monday, June 16th to Wednesday, June 19th, tagged "Abuja 2024: Niger Delta to the Seat of Power."
Showcasing Niger Delta to the world—and quarterly reviewing, transmitting the state of Niger Delta to the president. This summit is the largest convergence of Niger Delta leaders of various organizations in the region to talk about the state of Niger Delta as they showcase the region beyond oil and the various efforts and solutions of the current president, Bola Ahmad Tinubu's administration, and its performance in the oil-rich region.
Director of Political Affairs, Mr. Vin Yoba, and a chieftain of the Niger Delta Leaders Administrative Council and Ogoni Peace Movement, appreciated the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu and highlighted the unanimous decision of the summit to continue supporting the nation's growth. He commended the president on his recent move to grant local government autonomy, which is expected to restore grassroots development. He concluded by urging the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, to remember the contributions and risks taken by various Niger Delta organizations, calling for their inclusion in appointments to contribute to national growth and be more equipped towards 2027.
In a significant display of unity and purpose, various organizations in the Niger Delta region have come together under the banner of the Niger Delta Oil and Gas Summit to promote the region's development and growth. This summit provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss pressing issues related to oil and gas, peace, and economic development, fostering a collaborative environment for strategic planning and intellectual discourse.
The summit, an alliance of prominent groups such as the Niger Delta Leaders Administrative Council, Niger Delta for Peace, Niger Delta Youth Movement, Elders Council, Ogoni Leaders Council for Peace, Ijaw Reformers Council, NDDC Leaders Council, Amalgamation of Niger Delta Leaders for Change, and Niger Delta Renewed Hope Crusaders, are committed to driving progress and positive change in the Niger Delta through concerted efforts and shared goals.
A notable highlight of the summit was its commendation of President Bola Tinubu for his insightful and strategic appointment of men and women from the oil-rich region to nation-building, especially in the empowerment of the people. This decision reflects a deep commitment to national growth and development, aligning perfectly with the summit's vision for the region.
Dr. King Raphael conveyed the organization's optimism about President Tinubu's leadership qualities and experience, anticipating rapid progress in the nation, in alignment with his "Renewed Hope Agenda."
Furthermore, the summit emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the government and regional stakeholders. The leaders urged sustained dialogue and cooperation to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the Niger Delta. They believe that with strong leadership and strategic appointments given to men and women from the zone, the region can achieve significant advancements in economic stability and social peace.
The Director of Strategy and Communication, Hon. Uzoka Chukwuemeka, stated that the Niger Delta Oil and Gas Summit's appreciation of President Tinubu's decision in siting strategic projects in the oil-rich region is a testament to their faith in visionary leadership and strategic governance and peace in the oil fields. This acknowledgment underscores the collective hope that, with dedicated and capable individuals at the helm, Nigeria can navigate its developmental challenges and chart a course toward a prosperous future. He concluded by urging the president to look into the NNPC oil block bidding to ensure that best practices and competent companies that will adhere to their social responsibility to the environment and communities are selected.
The summit aims to ensure that the Niger Delta region continues to play a pivotal role in the nation's economic and social advancement. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect and envisioning a future where peace and prosperity are shared by all, driven by thoughtful leadership and a commitment to collective progress.
Dr. Preye Jones stated that the Niger Delta is the world's most polluted environment with fossil gas exploitation, with high numbers of biodiversity loss due to oil and gas extraction. There is widespread consensus that there is rampant poverty in the Niger Delta amidst plenty, and therefore an urgent need for transformative change in the region, focusing on accountability in the face of environmental degradation and social dislocations requiring environmental cleanup, equitable compensation, and sustainable practices. Despite its heavy burden as the region responsible for over 80% of the country’s exports, the Federal Government and its intervention agencies have done little or nothing to “tackle ecological and environmental problems that arise from the exploration of oil minerals in the Niger Delta area," requiring urgent action by the Federal Government and the member states on the prevention and control of oil spillages, gas flaring, and environmental pollution. A paradigm shift towards renewable energy sources and sustainable practices to address the interconnected crises of climate change, environmental degradation, and social injustice is paramount.
Empirical evidence presents a gloomy picture that crude oil will not be the driver of economic growth in the future, hence, the need to focus on emerging areas with new opportunities and potentials like agriculture, renewable energy, information technology, and the knowledge-driven economy where MSMEs can thrive and provide enabling platforms for prosperity and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta Summit is closely intertwined with the broader economic, social, and political development of the region. Economically, the summit will focus on investment opportunities and policy reforms aimed at diversifying the region's revenue base beyond its traditional reliance on oil and gas. Socially, the summit will emphasize SMEs and financial inclusion to empower local entrepreneurs and stimulate job creation, thereby improving the standard of living for the populace. Politically, the summit will represent a strategic effort by the governments in the region, institutions, and agencies, and relevant stakeholders to enhance the governance framework, promote transparency, and foster a conducive business environment that can attract and retain investors.
Diverse investment opportunities will be highlighted across sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, education, ICT, healthcare, infrastructure development, glass products, garment production, and power generation and transmission. With over 40% of fertile cultivable landmass, the region is positioned to significantly contribute to national food security through commercial investments in mechanized agriculture and the agro-processing industrial value chain.
The summit aims to enhance a multi-stakeholder dialogue to facilitate broad-based conversations to reimagine the Niger Delta and explore new avenues for transformative regional development. It seeks to cultivate collaboration aimed at strengthening partnerships among various stakeholders to advance the developmental agenda of the Niger Delta region. By integrating principles of accountability into public projects, the summit addresses the developmental needs of the Niger Delta and promotes inclusive, sustainable growth. It also promotes building a culture of entrepreneurship and competitiveness beyond oil in the Niger Delta region, advocates for transparency and accountability for economic and social development, and presses for the historical responsibility of IOCs in petroleum extraction in the Niger Delta. Additionally, it explores dynamic economic trends, fosters insightful dialogues, and builds strategic partnerships, setting the stage for a prosperous future for the oil-rich Niger Delta region. The summit further advances legislative action to create a secure business environment through laws that ensure economic prosperity.
The three-day summit ended with awards to the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, as the "Passionate Mother of the Nation," Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the "Friend of the Niger Delta," and Senator Goodwill Akpabio as the "Supreme Leader of the Niger Delta." In a letter to the president, the summit also highlighted the efforts of the new board of the NDDC under MD Samuel Ogbaku and Hon. Chinedu Ebie, along with the exemplary Renewed Hope leadership of three NDDC commissioners: Hon. Kyrian Uchegbu from Imo, Orok Otu Duke from Cross River, and Abasi Nkono from Akwa Ibom. The summit concluded with a resolution to convey the state of the Niger Delta to the president and the senate on a quarterly basis.
