Last week, we had a productive meeting with Sen. Ewhrudjakpo Lawrence, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, to discuss critical environmental, human rights issues surrounding oil & gas operations in the state.
The HEDA delegation was led by the Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and included Ms. Cecilia Ogwuche, Legal and Program Officer, and Nicholas Hildyard, Executive Director of Cornerhouse Research, a valued partner organization.
During the meeting, HEDA commended the Bayelsa State government for its recently published report on oil exploration, a model for increased transparency and accountability across the Niger Delta.
HEDA also expressed concerns over the potential negative impacts of divestment by international oil companies (IOCs) without proper environmental cleanup or liability transfer.
The team also discussed strategies to ensure IOCs fulfil their obligations and explored collaborative actions with the Bayelsa State government.
On his part, the Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo acknowledged the urgency of these issues and highlighted the government’s commitment to working with HEDA to address environmental degradation and human rights violations.
We encourage all stakeholders to join us in advocating for a just transition in the Niger Delta that prioritizes environmental well-being and the rights to impacted communities.