ANEEJ and other activists protest fossil fuel exploration at Nigeria International Energy Summit
ANEEJ and other activists protest fossil fuel exploration at Nigeria International Energy Summit
By: Our Correspondent
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the people’s AGM platform, and other climate justice activists on April 17, 2023, stormed the venue of the 6th Nigeria International Energy Summit to protest the devastating impact of oil and gas exploration activities in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement stated that the country is facing gas flaring, oil spills, environmental degradation and pollution or contamination of the land, water, air, loss of livelihood, health challenges, and other negative effects because of the exploration activities.
The statement added that the goal of the protest is to send a strong message to the Nigerian government, oil multinationals, and investors condemning further investment in oil and gas projects and to demand increased investment to support a fair and just transition to renewable energy.
“We are committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
ANEEJ and others also want the Federal Government and all governments supporting oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta to offer noteworthy financing for loss and damages to the people of Niger Delta and host communities.
The protesters, however, said the oil and gas companies are more interested in making a profit at our detriment, despite global agreements on emission reduction.
“From April 16-20, 2023, about 5,000 participants from 45 countries, comprising government leaders, ministers, investors, and delegates of multinational oil companies and energy industries will meet at the 6th Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja.
“This is a global forum endorsed by the highest level of the Federal Executive Council to stimulate discussions, interactions, and signing of high-level deals that will reshape the energy landscape.
“We all know that fossil fuel exploration has and continues to significantly contribute to the rising global temperature and unfathomable pollution of our local environment and our climate, as is our reliance on them.
“Despite the United Nations IPCC’s warning that exceeding 1.5°C will result in more severe climate change impacts, more deals promoting fossil fuel expansion are being negotiated arbitrarily, endangering our lives and livelihoods.
“Yet world governments turn a blind eye, and multinational oil companies continue to rake in record profits year after year at the detriment of the people, the environment, and the climate.
“Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, David Ugolor, is leading the organizations, which include Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Nigeria Campaign, PWYP International, 350.org, BiPoC Climate Justice Network Germany, Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria, Electra Energy Cooperative, Greece, Extinction Rebellion, Germany, and Extinction Rebellion, Indonesia, among others.”
