Ify Onyekwere
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) successfully organized the 2nd People\’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 17, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria. The AGM gathered 68 participants from across Nigeria, including the Niger Delta region, to discuss pressing issues related to the oil industry and environmental justice. The event resulted in significant resolutions and observations aimed at fostering sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges.
The AGM focused on key topics, including major oil companies\’ upcoming Annual General Meetings (AGMs), such as SHELL BP, Total Energies, and Exxon Mobil. Participants expressed keen interest in closely monitoring these AGMs to ensure accountability and meeting climate change objectives.
Another critical issue addressed during the meeting was the ongoing Ogoni Cleanup process and the concerns raised by host communities. Participants stressed the need for a comprehensive cleanup program and expressed their apprehension regarding technical and governance issues that have hindered the progress of the cleanup.
The AGM also delved into the impact of oil exploration activities on the environment and livelihoods, with indigenous people sharing their testimonies. Multinational oil companies, particularly Shell, were scrutinized for their activities in the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria. Participants at the AGM expressed disappointment over the lack of political commitment to ending gas flaring in Nigeria. They called upon the incoming administration to demonstrate the political will to address this significant environmental issue.
The development of new oil fields in various parts of Nigeria raised concerns among the AGM participants, who emphasized the importance of preventing the recurrence of environmental challenges faced by communities in the Niger Delta. Additionally, the recent judgment by the United Kingdom\’s Supreme Court on the Shell Bonga Oil Spill Case was a matter of concern and discussion.
After extensive deliberations, the participants reached a series of resolutions to address the identified challenges and promote environmental justice. The participants urged the Federal Government to appoint a substantive chairman for HYPREP to ensure consistent leadership and expedite the cleanup process in Ogoni. They demanded an unbiased investigation into the remediation process in Ogoni land and comprehensive environmental and health audits of the entire Niger Delta region.
The participants also stressed the importance of holding investors accountable for their investment decisions and aligning with climate change objectives. Investors were urged to follow the example set by The Church of England by voting against directors of major oil companies that failed to meet climate change goals.
Another call was on environmental justice and political will, as the participants urged the incoming Nigerian administration to demonstrate the necessary political will to end gas flaring, which is crucial for mitigating environmental pollution and its impact on local communities.
The resolutions adopted at the 2nd People\’s AGM reflect the collective commitment to environmental justice, sustainable development, and the well-being of affected communities. The AGM platform, represented by Legborsi Saro Pyagbara and Taiwo Otitolaye, expressed their determination to drive positive change and engage stakeholders in implementing these resolutions.
The outcome of the AGM highlight the pressing need for transparency, accountability, and decisive action in addressing environmental challenges in Nigeria\’s oil industry. The resolutions serve as a roadmap for promoting environmental justice, protecting livelihoods, and fostering sustainable development in the country.
