#CSOs, Advocacy, Press Release

PRESS RELEASE: REJECT REPRESSIVE BILLS: NIGERIAN CIVIL SOCIETY DEMANDS PROTECTION OF CIVIC SPACE AND CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOM AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS

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By Smith Nwokocha

Press Statement

Joint Civil Society Press Conference on Protecting Civic Space, Constitutional Freedoms and Democratic Governance.  

We, the undersigned Nigerian, African and international human rights organisations and civil society organisations, are gravely concerned by the growing number of restrictive and repressive bills currently before Nigeria’s National Assembly. If enacted, these bills would significantly expand executive control over civic life and further undermine the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, freedom of association, media freedom, access to information, democratic participation and the rule of law.

These legislative proposals are being considered at a time when civic space in Nigeria is experiencing one of its most serious periods of decline since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the authorities have increasingly relied on restrictive laws, politically motivated prosecutions, strategic lawsuits, arbitrary arrests, intimidation and judicial harassment against journalists, bloggers, media organisations, human rights defenders, civil society organisations and other individuals peacefully exercising their constitutional rights.

Recent examples include the continuing prosecution of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, reprisals against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act to target journalists and government critics, and repeated attempts to intimidate independent media and civil society organisations. International monitoring has also documented this deterioration. In May 2026, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported 91 cases of journalists being arrested, attacked or otherwise harassed across 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the first three years of the current administration.

In the context of the broader pattern of repression and authoritarian practices in Nigeria, the pending bills are not isolated legislative initiatives. Rather, they represent an increasingly coordinated legislative effort to expand executive control over civil society, independent media and digital spaces while curtailing civic participation, public scrutiny and democratic accountability.

The timing of these proposals is particularly concerning as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. Rather than creating an open environment where citizens, journalists, civil society organisations and political actors can participate freely, these measures risk entrenching fear, self-censorship and intolerance of dissent. Independent advocacy, investigative journalism and public scrutiny are not threats to democracy; they are essential safeguards of constitutional governance and accountability.

Nigeria has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment before the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations and other international bodies to uphold democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The National Assembly therefore has a constitutional and international legal responsibility to strengthen—not weaken—the protections that safeguard civic space and democratic governance.

We are particularly alarmed by the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), which would confer sweeping powers on the authorities to monitor, regulate, sanction, suspend and potentially shut down non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance under the guise of promoting transparency, accountability and the prevention of the misuse of foreign aid.

While Sections 1 and 2 of the Bill identify legitimate objectives, including transparency, accountability and preventing misuse of foreign aid, they establish an overly broad regulatory framework that fails to distinguish between public funds received by government institutions and private philanthropic resources received by independent organisations. This risks transforming public financial regulation into state control over the constitutionally protected activities of independent associations.

Sections 3–5 establish the Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) with extensive powers to register recipients, demand information, conduct inspections and audits, impose sanctions and enforce compliance with undefined “national policies and priorities”. These powers duplicate functions already performed by existing institutions, including the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), while creating a new regulator with broad discretionary authority. The Bill fails to demonstrate that these existing legal and institutional frameworks are inadequate or incapable of achieving its stated objectives.

Sections 6–8 require every recipient of foreign assistance to register with FARC within 30 days, criminalise non-registration, impose extensive disclosure requirements through a National Foreign Aid Register, and require detailed reporting obligations regardless of the nature, size or risk profile of the funding.

Sections 9–11 impose further controls by requiring annual audits and compelling foreign-funded projects—including those undertaken by independent civil society organisations—to align with government-defined national development priorities. This creates significant risks of executive interference in legitimate human rights, governance, anti-corruption, public interest litigation and accountability work.

Sections 12–16 impose severe criminal and administrative sanctions, including fines, imprisonment, suspension or revocation of operational licences, broad regulation-making powers for the Commission, and an extremely broad definition of “foreign aid” capable of capturing virtually all forms of international financial and technical assistance. These provisions establish a sweeping, duplicative and disproportionate framework that threatens civil society independence, discourages legitimate international cooperation and humanitarian assistance, and interferes with constitutionally protected rights.

We are equally concerned by legislative proposals seeking to compel social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria or face prohibition from operating in the country. Although presented as regulatory measures, such proposals would substantially increase governmental leverage over digital platforms that facilitate public debate, access to information and civic participation.

Conditioning access to Nigeria’s digital market on physical establishment, backed by the threat of prohibition, is neither necessary nor proportionate to any legitimate regulatory objective. Such measures risk facilitating censorship, restricting access to information, discouraging innovation and investment, and encouraging private companies to prioritise political pressure over internationally recognised human rights standards.

Both the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill and the proposed legislation requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria are incompatible with Nigeria’s constitutional, regional and international human rights obligations. Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, while Section 22 recognises the vital role of the media in holding government accountable.

Nigeria is also bound by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which forms part of Nigerian law through the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act. Article 1 requires Nigeria to adopt legislative and other measures to give effect to the rights protected under the Charter, including freedom of expression (Article 9), freedom of association (Article 10), freedom of assembly (Article 11) and participation in public affairs (Article 13).

Nigeria is further bound by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Articles 19, 21, 22 and 25 protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and participation in public affairs, while Article 2 requires Nigeria to ensure that domestic laws give full effect to these rights. Under Article 2 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Nigeria must ensure that its domestic legal framework remains consistent with its treaty obligations.

Any restriction on these rights must satisfy the requirements of legality, legitimate purpose, necessity and proportionality under Articles 19(3), 21 and 22(2) of the ICCPR. The proposed bills fail to meet these standards.

The Foreign Aids Bill is also inconsistent with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Article 13 recognises the right of everyone, individually and in association with others, to solicit, receive and utilise resources for the peaceful promotion and protection of human rights. Article 3 requires that any regulation of such activities be consistent with the UN Charter and international human rights obligations.

The Bill further conflicts with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa, which require States to facilitate rather than control the work of associations. It is also inconsistent with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8, which requires measures affecting non-profit organisations to be targeted, risk-based and proportionate and rejects blanket regulatory approaches.

Regional and international courts have consistently rejected disproportionate restrictions of this nature. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has affirmed that limitations on Charter rights must satisfy strict requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality and must not destroy the essence of the protected right. Similarly, in Commission v Hungary (Transparency of Associations) (Case C-78/18), the Court of Justice of the European Union held that transparency objectives cannot justify discriminatory or disproportionate restrictions on organisations receiving international support or create a climate of suspicion towards independent civil society.

International cooperation is essential to the work of many Nigerian civil society organisations. International support enables organisations to undertake human rights monitoring, anti-corruption advocacy, humanitarian assistance, legal aid, election observation, public interest litigation and other activities that strengthen constitutional governance. Such support is a legitimate form of international cooperation, not evidence of foreign interference.

We therefore call upon the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the leadership of both chambers and all members of the National Assembly to:

1.        Immediately withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), the Bill requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria, and all other pending bills that unjustifiably restrict civic space, the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, media freedom, access to information and democratic participation.

2.      Ensure that all future legislation affecting civil society organisations, digital rights, media freedom or civic participation complies fully with the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other applicable international human rights standards.

3.     Conduct genuine, transparent and meaningful consultations with civil society organisations, journalists, human rights defenders, professional associations, digital rights organisations, development partners and other affected stakeholders before adopting reforms affecting civic freedoms.

4.      Reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to constitutionalism, accountability, transparency, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The National Assembly now faces a defining constitutional choice. It can enact legislation that expands executive control, shrinks civic space and accelerates democratic decline, or it can uphold the Nigerian Constitution, honour Nigeria’s binding regional and international human rights obligations, and reaffirm the country’s commitment to democratic governance, accountability and the rule of law.

We urge the National Assembly to reject these repressive bills in their entirety and instead enact legislation that protects civic space, strengthens transparency and accountability, promotes meaningful public participation, and reinforces the constitutional and democratic values on which Nigeria’s future depends.

Signatories

  1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
  2. ActionAid Nigeria
  3. Accountability Lab, Nigeria
  4. Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
  5. Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
  6. African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
  7. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
  8. African Law Foundation (AFRILAW)
  9. Alliance on Surviving COVID 19 and Beyond (AACAB)
  10. Alliances for Africa
  11. Amnesty International Nigeria
  12. Association for Public Health Education and Legal Research
  13. Association of African Women for Researcher & Development (AAWORD Nigeria)
  14. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
  15. BudgIT Foundation
  16. Capacity Catalysts Consulting (TRILE C)
  17. Centre For Change
  18. Centre for Social Justice
  19. Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
  20. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
  21. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
  22. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
  23. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
  24. Centre for Transparency Advocacy
  25. Centre for Social Justice
  26. Civil Rights Council (CRC)
  27. Civil Liberties Organisation Abuja
  28. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
  29. CLEEN Foundation
  30. Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
  31. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
  32. Connecting Gender for Development
  33. Connected Development (CODE)
  34. Documentation in Nigeria
  35. Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
  36. #FixPolitics
  37. Follow The Money
  38. Female Leadership Forum (FLP)
  39. Girl Child Concern (GCC)
  40. Global Rights
  41. Good Governance Team
  42. Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
  43. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
  44. Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation
  45. Integrated Social Development Centre-ISODEC
  46. International Press Centre (IPC)
  47. Isaac and Patience Olugbuo Foundation
  48. Liberty Semper Fidelis LP (LSF).
  49. Koyenum Immalah Foundation
  50. Media Rights Agenda
  51. Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
  52. Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria MOTiON
  53. Motherhen Development Foundation
  54. National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADL)
  55. Nigeria Networks of NGO’s
  56. Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
  57. Partners West Africa Nigeria
  58. Partnership for Justice
  59. Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA)
  60. Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative PRADIN
  61. PRAWA International
  62. Policy Alert
  63. Project Alert on Violence Against Women
  64. Public and Private Development Centre – PPDC
  65. Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
  66. Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL)
  67. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
  68. Resource Justice Network (RJN) Nigeria
  69. RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
  70. Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
  71. Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action)
  72. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
  73. Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC)
  74. State of the Union (SOTU)
  75. Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI)
  76. Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation
  77. Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI)
  78. Space for Change (S4C)
  79. Tax Justice and Governance Platform
  80. Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
  81. The Statecraft Reports (TSR)
  82. West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS)
  83. WACSI NODE Nigeria
  84. Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
  85. Women Advocate Research & Documentation Centre (WARDC) 
  86. Women in Extractives
  87. Women in Nigeria
  88. Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ)
  89. Yiaga Africa
  90. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)

 

 

 

SDGS, Youth, Advocacy, Government Institutions, #Journalism, #Education

LIGHTRAY! WINS: Lady Ejiro Umukoro’s Campaign Forces FG to Cut Textbook Fees, Order Refunds

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By Smith Nwokocha

July 22, 2026

ABUJA — The Federal Government has bowed to nationwide pressure and reversed a controversial hike in textbook assessment fees, slashing the charges and ordering refunds for publishers who paid under the earlier rates.

The directive to the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC, marks a major victory for education advocates who warned the policy would drive up the cost of school books and shut out low-income families.

Under the revised structure, NERDC is to implement the lower fees immediately and process refunds for publishers assessed at the previous rates. The government said the move is to ease financial pressure on publishers, expand participation in textbook evaluation, and keep learning materials affordable.

LIGHTRAY! AT THE FOREFRONT

It would be recalled that LightRay! Media Founder and Publisher, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, led the national campaign against the fee hike.

For weeks, Lady Ejiro took the fight to national and global audiences — calling out the policy on Arise News, News Central, ADBN, and across international media platforms. She described the initial charges as insensitive and ill-timed in a country blessed with oil, gas and solid minerals.

“In a resource-rich nation like Nigeria, education ought to be free. Countries with far less than we have provide free textbooks. We cannot tax knowledge and expect development,” she said during her media engagements.

Lady Ejiro also condemned what she termed opaque ranking systems and prohibitive assessment fees that threatened to make textbooks unaffordable.

Her advocacy drew strong backing from the Nigerian Publishers Association, which warned the fees would push book prices beyond the reach of average families and undermine access to quality education.

WHAT THE REVERSAL MEANS

The FG’s reversal, following engagements between the Federal Ministry of Education and stakeholders, signals a retreat by NERDC. For publishers, it removes an immediate cost barrier. For parents and students, it offers relief ahead of the new school session.

For LightRay!, the outcome validates months of watchdog journalism and public advocacy aimed at holding institutions accountable.

“This is a win for Nigerian children, for publishers, and for every voice that said education should not be commodified,” Lady Ejiro said.

Whether NERDC pays refunds promptly and sustains the lower fees will determine if the government’s pledge moves from policy paper to classroom reality.

Lady Ejiro Umukoro
#CSOs, #Health, Advocacy, Government Institutions, Health And Adolescent, SDGS

PRESS RELEASE: Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026.

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By Smith Nwokocha

  • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO together with the First Ladies of Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe inaugurated the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026.

 

18th June 2026, Dubai, UAE: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 on 18th and 19th June, through an online videoconference.The annual conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary along with The First Ladies of 12 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, President of “More Than a Mother” and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary emphasized, “It is a great privilege to welcome our distinguished Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are the Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign to the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary.

Together, we exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the First Ladies of Africa and Asia who joined us as Guests of Honor, as well as to the Ministers, healthcare experts, policymakers, government officials, academia, media representatives, and all our partners for their unwavering support and collaboration. At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to improving health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Together, we will continue advancing our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”

The First Ladies of African and Asian Countries, who joined the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary are:

·       H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola

·       H.E. Mrs. KAONE BOKO, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana

·       H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde

·       H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of the Central African Republic

·       H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic

·       H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia

·       H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya

·       H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia

·       H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives

·       H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique

·       H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

·       H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation alumni have become the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa, Asia, and beyond.”

She further added, “During our Conference, we also marked World Infertility Awareness Month, observed annually in June, through our historic “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, dedicated to empowering infertile and childless women by providing access to information, health, education, and change of mindset.

I am pleased to share that, of the 2,600+ scholarships provided by Merck Foundation, more than 800 scholarships have been for healthcare providers in the fields of Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine. These scholarships are helping strengthen fertility care services and improving access to women’s health across 42 countries.”

During the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, two important occasions were marked; the 9th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 14 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that were started in 2012.

On the first day, the Inaugural Session of the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary took place, featuring a high-level panel of the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia.

The Day 1 was attended by over 800 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers, and media from 57 English-, French-, and Portuguese-speaking countries. Additionally, the conference was live streamed on social media, with over 220K+ social media viewers, further amplifying the impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.

The Day 2 of the conference will have two parallel scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics.

The 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary is streamed live on the Social Media Handles of Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@Merck Foundation: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

@Rasha Kelej: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ECXNpQsaJ/

Merck Foundation is transforming the patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2600+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 4000+ Media Representatives from more than 42 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues.

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion contributing to raise awareness and break the silence. 

 

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.

• 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili.

• 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.

• 1550+ Annual Scholarships awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books, uniforms and transport,to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.

  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 9 Million Followers.

Best Regards,

Harsh Sharma (His/Him)

Community Awareness Program Manager

 

Merck Foundation

Merck Foundation India Office

Mobile: +91 9540932090/ +91 9899602509

E-mail: harsh.sharma@external.merckgroup.com|www.merck-foundation.com

                  
 
Merck Foundation is a non-profit limited liability company in accordance with German law and a subsidiary of Merck KGaA.

Pflichtangaben finden Sie unter http://mandatories.merck.de
Mandatory Information can be found at http://mandatories.merck.de

 

About Merck Foundation

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.merck-foundation.com to read more.

 

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

 

Advocacy, Climate Change, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, SDGS

GLOBAL WEEK OF ACTION (KICK POLLUTERS OUT) 2026!

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By Smith Nwokocha

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20th May 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY

Frontline communities and civil society unite across the globe to demand polluters exit their countries

  • What: “Kick Polluters Out” Global Week of Action: coordinated actions across Africa, Europe and Latin America by CSO groups and communities facing impacts from polluting companies demanding accountability, fix past harm and cease operations
  • When: 23 – 30th May 2026 with key moments on 25th (Africa Day), 28th (Glencore AGM) and 29th (TotalEnergies AGM)
  • Where: Global –London, Paris, Copenhagen, New York, Bogotá,  and over 13 cities in Africa.

Why it matters:

Across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, people are suffering under an economic system that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of people and the planet. Globally, oil, gas, and mining projects are causing displacement, environmental degradation, conflict, and increasing inequality. While fossil fuel corporations continue to reap billions in profits, ordinary individuals face climate disasters, contaminated water, loss of land, repression, and rising living costs.

The Global Week of Action directly targets the continued expansion of TotalEnergies, Glencore, Shell, and ExxonMobil, which communities and civil society organisations argue exacerbate both the climate crisis and human suffering.

The US-Israel attack on Iran and its continued disruption of the global energy market has underscored the urgency to phase out fossil fuels. Apart from its devastating impact on the Iranian people, it has exposed the overdependence in fossil fuels as governments grapple with energy security and rising cost of living crisis, while corporations make windfall profits.

This week of action will unite protests, community events, creative initiatives, and digital mobilizations across various cities in Africa, Europe and Latin America to highlight the role of polluting corporations and the financial institutions that support them.

The actions will draw attention to the increasing public outrage over fossil fuel expansion as climate impacts worsen globally, and make a case for renewed investment in renewable energy that guarantees energy security, and a truly affordable, accessible and people-focused energy. There is growing global solidarity among communities directly affected by oil, gas and mining projects.

###

Media contacts:

 

#Health, Climate Change, Media, SDGS

WHY THE WORLD IS WATCHING NIGERIA AHEAD OF THE 2026 GLOBAL AMR SUMMIT

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By Smith Nwokocha
As global attention turns toward Nigeria ahead of the 5th High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a recent media briefing offers a powerful preview of what’s at stake, and what must change.
The session brought together leading voices, including Jean Pierre Nyemazi, Director of the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR, and Ayoade Alakija, Nigeria’s Ministerial Global Envoy on AMR.
But beyond the formalities, the message was urgent and clear: the world is running out of time to protect life-saving medicines.

AMR: THE SILENT GLOBAL CRISIS
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when medicines, like antibiotics, stop working. What used to be treatable infections can become deadly.
According to global health leaders, AMR is already among the top threats to humanity, cutting across:
• Human health
• Animal health
• Food systems
• The environment
This is why institutions like the World Health Organisation and its partners are pushing a unified response.

PART 1: FROM GLOBAL COMMITMENTS TO REAL ACTION
In the first part of the briefing, experts emphasised that global promises must now translate into local, measurable action.
Following the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR 2024, countries committed to reducing deaths from AMR by 10% by 2030.
But progress depends on:
• Strong national action plans
• Sustainable financing
• Cross-sector collaboration
Dr. Nyemazi stressed that AMR is no longer just a “health issue”, it is a development, equity, and sustainability challenge.
Dr. Alakija reinforced this, highlighting that solutions must work within local realities, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the burden is highest.

THE “ONE HEALTH” SHIFT
A key theme of the upcoming summit is One Health, an approach that connects human, animal, and environmental health.
This means:
• Reducing misuse of antibiotics in livestock
• Improving sanitation and hygiene
• Tackling environmental pollution from pharmaceuticals
It’s a shift from isolated interventions to systems thinking, and it’s central to the Abuja meeting.

PART 2: MEDIA TAKES CENTRE STAGE
The second half of the briefing spotlighted an often-overlooked aspect of global health: the power of storytelling.
The Global AMR Media Alliance announced the 3rd Edition of the Global AMR Media Awards 2026, recognising journalists and storytellers across four regions:
• Asia Pacific
• Africa
• Pan America
• Europe
New and Notable Award Categories
Several important categories were introduced:
• Special AMR Reporting Award
Focused on coverage of the 2026 ministerial meeting in Nigeria
• #PutPeopleFirst Award
In partnership with The AMR Narrative, this category highlights stories centred on AMR survivors, bringing human faces to a technical issue

Regional and National Recognition Expands
3rd Edition of Global AMR Media Awards 2026 were announced. Nigeria AMR Media Alliance (NAMA) Chairperson Ojoma Akor announced 1st Nigeria AMR Media Awards 2026. Nepal AMR Media Alliance Chairperson Kalpana Acharya announced 2nd Nepal AMR Media Awards 2026. Lata Mishra of India AMR Media Alliance announced the 2nd India AMR Media Awards 2026, and Dr Ijyaa Singh of ReAct Asia Pacific announced 1st Kerala AMR Media Awards 2026.

2 special awards categories were announced: AMR survivor Vanessa Carter (founder of The AMR Narrative and Chairperson of WHO Task Force of AMR Survivors) announced #PutPeopleFirst award category to shine a spotlight on media reporting featuring voices of AMR survivors. Likewise, a special award category is for media globally that are reporting around 5th High Level Ministerial Meeting on AMR in Nigeria. For more information, visit: http://www.tinyurl.com/mediaawards-2026

The awards also reflect growing regional ownership of the AMR conversation:
• 2nd India AMR Media Awards (via GAMA India)
• 2nd Nepal AMR Media Awards (via GAMA Nepal)
• 1st Nigeria AMR Media Awards (a major milestone for local engagement)
• 1st Kerala AMR Media Awards (with ReAct Asia Pacific)
This expansion signals a shift: AMR storytelling is becoming more localised, inclusive, and impactful.

WHY MEDIA MATTERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AMR
One of the strongest takeaways from the briefing is that the media is not just a messenger; it is a driver of change.
Effective reporting:
• Shape public understanding
• Influence policy decisions
• Encourage behaviour change
• Hold governments accountable
Without visibility, AMR remains invisible. And without pressure, progress stalls.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ABUJA 2026
The upcoming ministerial meeting is more than a diplomatic gathering. It is a global checkpoint, a moment to assess whether countries are truly acting on their commitments.
For Nigeria, hosting this event is both an opportunity and a responsibility:
• To lead from the Global South
• To push for equitable solutions
• To connect global ambition with local realities

Finally;
AMR may be a complex scientific issue, but at its core, it is about something simple: the ability to treat infections and save lives.
The world still has a window to act, but only if commitments move beyond paper and into practice.
And as this briefing makes clear, that shift must start now.

#Health, Advocacy, Capacity Building, Climate Change, Gender Based Violence, Health And Adolescent, Media

ADDRESSING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE THROUGH GENDER LENS… EXPERTS

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By Smith Nwokocha

 

Why Antimicrobial Resistance Must Be Addressed Through a Gender Lens

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent global health threats of our time. It arises largely from the misuse and overuse of medicines across human health, livestock production, agriculture, and food systems. These practices are not only undermining the effectiveness of life-saving drugs but are also contributing to environmental contamination. If the world hopes to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), eliminating the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials across all sectors is essential.

Yet AMR is not solely a biomedical challenge. A complex web of biological, social, cultural, and economic factors—many rooted in gender inequality—shapes how infections spread, how treatments are accessed, and how antibiotics are used. Gender norms, structural inequalities, and harmful stereotypes have historically normalized the neglect of women’s health and well-being. As a result, women and girls often face heightened vulnerability to infections and, consequently, to antimicrobial resistance.

Gender-Based Violence and AMR

Gender-based violence is one of the overlooked drivers of antimicrobial resistance. Violence increases women’s exposure to infections and reduces their ability to seek timely medical care.

According to Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), intimate partner violence and domestic abuse can lead to infections ranging from sexually transmitted infections to urinary and reproductive tract infections. These conditions frequently require antibiotic treatment.

However, women experiencing violence often face barriers to seeking care due to stigma, limited autonomy, or fear of further abuse. Even when treatment is sought, incomplete courses of antibiotics or incorrect dosing may occur, increasing the risk of drug-resistant infections.

Unsafe abortions, delayed treatment for injuries, and restricted access to healthcare further compound the problem. Without addressing gender-based violence, efforts to combat AMR will remain incomplete.

Stigma and Delayed Treatment

Social stigma surrounding diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects women. In many societies, a woman diagnosed with these illnesses is judged not only as a patient but also as someone who has brought shame upon her family.

Bhakti Chavan, a survivor of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis and member of the WHO Task Force of AMR Survivors, describes how stigma discourages women from seeking care.

Many women delay testing, avoid visiting clinics, or stop treatment early to prevent family members or communities from discovering their condition. Incomplete treatment is a major driver of drug-resistant infections.

Her experience highlights a critical reality: AMR is not gender neutral. Effective responses must consider the social realities shaping women’s health decisions.

Power Dynamics in Healthcare

Gender also shapes power relationships within healthcare systems. Dr Esmita Charani of the University of Cape Town emphasizes that women often have less power to advocate for their health needs.

In many households, women prioritize the healthcare needs of other family members before their own. Women frequently accompany relatives to hospitals as caregivers but do not seek treatment themselves.

Financial constraints further deepen the disparity. In settings where healthcare costs are paid out of pocket, families may prioritize treatment for male members over female members.

Ironically, while women make up the majority of the global healthcare workforce—particularly nurses and pharmacists—they often have limited influence over prescribing decisions or institutional policies.

These power dynamics affect infection prevention, antibiotic stewardship, and the overall quality of care.

Social Norms and Structural Barriers

Deeply rooted social norms also shape women’s vulnerability to AMR. Dr Deepshikha Bhateja of the Indian School of Business notes that cultural expectations surrounding caregiving, menstruation, pregnancy, and financial control restrict women’s access to healthcare, education, and sanitation.

Limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities increases exposure to infections. Reduced educational opportunities lower awareness about appropriate antibiotic use. Financial dependency restricts women’s ability to seek timely care.

Together, these factors increase infection risk while reducing the likelihood of proper diagnosis and treatment—conditions that fuel antimicrobial resistance.

The Need for an Intersectional Approach

Gender does not operate in isolation. Other social determinants—such as income, ethnicity, migration status, and geography—intersect with gender to shape health outcomes.

For example, rural women engaged in agriculture often carry multiple responsibilities: farming, caring for livestock, managing households, and raising children. With limited financial autonomy and restricted access to healthcare services, infections may go untreated or be managed with inappropriate medications.

Understanding these overlapping vulnerabilities requires an intersectional approach to AMR policy and programming.

AMR as a Social Problem

Although AMR is often framed as a technical issue involving microbial evolution and pharmaceutical development, Dr Salman Khan of ReAct Asia Pacific argues that it is fundamentally a social problem.

Power structures determine whose health is prioritized, who controls resources, and whose voices shape policy decisions. Young people—especially young women—are frequently excluded from decision-making processes despite being deeply affected by the long-term consequences of antimicrobial resistance.

Addressing AMR effectively requires inclusive governance that recognizes youth, women, and marginalized groups as key stakeholders rather than passive beneficiaries.

Women as Leaders in Combating AMR

While women face disproportionate risks, they also hold enormous potential to drive solutions.

Dr Mayssam Akroush, founding president of the Pan Arab Women Physicians Association, highlights women’s central role in combating irrational antibiotic use. Women serve as caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. They make crucial decisions about family health and can influence how antibiotics are used within households.

Educating and empowering women on responsible antimicrobial use can have a ripple effect across entire communities.

Strengthening Policy Responses

There is growing consensus that national AMR strategies must incorporate gender-sensitive approaches. This includes integrating gender-based violence indicators into national AMR action plans and strengthening antibiotic stewardship in sexual and reproductive health services.

In 2024, the WHO released guidance to help countries integrate gender-responsive strategies into their AMR policies. The recommendations aim to address disparities in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of drug-resistant infections.

Without such measures, existing inequalities will continue to undermine global efforts to contain antimicrobial resistance.

The Urgent Case of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

The challenge of AMR is particularly visible in tuberculosis. Despite decades of scientific advances, the global burden of drug-resistant TB remains alarmingly high.

Estimates suggest that around 400,000 cases of drug-resistant TB were recorded in 2000—and similar numbers were reported again in 2024. The persistence of these figures reflects systemic failures in infection prevention and treatment adherence.

If the world hopes to end TB by 2030, preventing drug-resistant forms of the disease must become a priority.

A Feminist Response to AMR

AMR responses must ultimately adopt a feminist and justice-based approach—one rooted in care, solidarity, and equity.

Health policies cannot be separated from gender equality. Addressing violence against women, ensuring universal access to water and sanitation, empowering women economically, and dismantling harmful social norms are not only human rights imperatives—they are essential public health strategies.

Without confronting these structural inequalities, the world risks losing the medicines that protect us from infectious diseases.

Combating antimicrobial resistance therefore requires more than scientific innovation. It demands a transformation in how societies address gender inequality, power imbalances, and access to healthcare.

Only through such holistic action can we safeguard the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

 

#CSOs, Advocacy, Climate Change, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, SDGS, Youth

NIGERIAN ACTIVISTS AND GROUPS MARCHED PEACEFULLY IN SOLIDARITY TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF ACTION AGAINST OIL EXPANSION IN DRC.

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By Smith Nwokocha

Activists March Against Oil Exploitation in Nigeria and DRC

Nigerian activists and groups which includes Quest For Growth and Development Foundation, Peace Corp of Nigeria, Community Secondary School Oroworukwo and Youths of Oroworukwo Community held a peaceful march in Port Harcourt to show solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and raise awareness about the negative impacts of oil exploitation.

Comrade Smith Nwokocha, Coordinator, Quest For Growth and Development Foundation emphasized the following during the March:

The Issue:

  • Oil extraction in DRC has caused significant social and environmental harm, despite bringing little benefit to local communities.
  • The industry has led to poverty, health risks, and ecological damage.

The Demand:

  • Stop oil expansion in DRC and transition to cleaner, community-driven energy alternatives.
  • Support local communities and advocate for a just and equitable future.

The Campaign:

  • The “Our Land Without Oil” campaign aims to amplify the voices of grassroots communities and promote a fossil-free future.
  • The campaign seeks to bring attention to the issue and mobilize public support for change.
  • The Commandant, Rivers State Command of Peace Corp of Nigeria also reiterated how resource conflicts have been emanating in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and of course DRC other African countries with mineral resources like oil.
  • Students of Community Secondary School Oroworukwo also share their thoughts on No to Oil Expansion in the Niger Delta and DRC.

The Message:

  • No to oil exploitation, exploration, and extraction.
  • Let’s work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
#Health, Advocacy, Climate Change, Communication, Health And Adolescent, Media, SDGS, Youth

Feeding Minds First: Rethinking the Place of Communication in Combating Malnutrition in Africa

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By Milliscent Nnwoka, Communications Specialist

Africa faces a grave nutrition crisis, one that statistics alone cannot solve. In Nigeria, 40% of children under five are stunted, and over 17 million people are food insecure (UNICEF, 2023; FAO et al., 2023; DHI, 2023). Children are not just hungry; they are unprotected and invisible. With 47% of children living in income-poor households and 67% trapped in multidimensionalpoverty, the odds are stacked against them from birth. However, beyond the data, there is a crucial factor that we must urgently highlight: communication.

In addition to the availability and affordability of food, we cannot end malnutrition without addressing sensitization around behavioral changes, social norms, and misinformation related to food, health, and childcare. That’s where communication comes in, not as an afterthought, but as a strategic tool. Effective nutrition communication educates caregivers on what to feed their children and why. It helps communities understand the dangers of pap-only diets, promotes early initiation of breastfeeding, and combats cultural taboos that limit dietary diversity.

In Tanzania, a troubling shift is emerging: growing numbers of women feel afraid or ashamed to breastfeed in public. This stigma threatens progress in promoting optimal breastfeeding practices and, if unaddressed, could undermine efforts to improve maternal and child health across Africa. A 2025 study by Koray et al. examined exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) across 25 Sub‑Saharan countries, identifying a complex mix of individual and community-level influences. EBF was highest in Burundi (83%) and Rwanda (79%), and lowest in Gabon (19%) and Guinea (25%). The study emphasized early antenatal care (ANC), media exposure, and community support as key enablers, recommending targeted interventions rooted in culturally sensitive health communication.

 

In Nigeria, some mothers still discard colostrum due to outdated beliefs or conflicting advice, sometimes from poorly informed health workers. Misinformation undermines decades of nutrition advocacy, and these myths persist because communication doesn’t reach those who need it most. Mozambique’s Cyclone Idai in 2019 revealed similar issues: with over 40 languages and low Portuguese fluency, aid messages failed to reach many. A stark reminder that without tailored communication, even well-planned responses can fall short.

 

So, what does effective communication look like? It means planning communication as a core part of any project, not an afterthought. It means working within the broader strategy and ensuring adequate resources are dedicated to communication efforts. It means speaking in the audience’s language, using trusted local channels like community radio or influencers, and addressing cultural beliefs sensitively. As Colle advises, every project must examine communication needs during planning, integrate them fully within the strategy, and allocate resources accordingly. This approach ensures messages reach the right people, in the right way, at the right time.

Strategic communication connects policies to people and translates nutrition science into action at the household level. As communicators, we must design with empathy, speak the language of the audience, and build consistent, evidence-based messages. If we want to change Nigeria’s alarming nutrition statistics, we must first change the conversation. Over 500 languages are spoken in Nigeria, so this risk is also there (Lewis et al., 2015).

 

So, what does effective communication planning look like?It should entail integrating communication into nutritional policies from the beginning, involving:

• The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to spearhead the national communication strategy and messaging.

• State Ministries of Health, local nutrition officials, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to execute and adapt messaging to local conditions.

• Media partners, faith-based organisations, women’s associations, faith and traditional leaders, who possess credible platforms inside communities.

• Nutrition-focused CSOs and NGOs, such as the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Alive & Thrive, or UNICEF, MSF, CS-SUNN, and others, to co-create and validate messaging.

 

Budget: What % should go to communication?

Many experts have recommended many things, but this largely depends on what is available on the ground. For some, it is allocating at least 10%, others 1% of any nutrition program budget to communication. However, currently, many programs invest less than 3%, treating messaging as a last-mile add-on. This is a false economy. Without strong communication, behavior change won’t happen, even with the best interventions in place. The Indonesian government recognized the importance of nutrition communication and allocated significant resources to support it, both directly and indirectly through broader nutrition initiatives. The Indonesian communication strategy was based on a National Nutrition Communication Campaign (NNCC), providing a compelling model.

Does Nigeria require interagency coordination?

Absolutely. Communication should be coordinated by a multi-sectoral task force involving:

  • Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Education, and Information
  • The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (to ensure state-level ownership)
  • ALGON to ensure local governance and grassroots ownership
  • NOA, CSOs, and community media networks
  • Nigerian Communications Commission (to leverage mobile and digital infrastructure)

Such coordination ensures consistent messaging, efficient use of channels, and inclusive language strategies tailored to rural, urban, literate, and low-literacy audiences.

 

Why language matters more than we admit

Language is not just a medium; it’s a gatekeeper. It determines who understands and who doesn’t. Especially with our literacy level, in a linguistically diverse country like Nigeria, failing to communicate in people’s first languages creates exclusion, levels, and misinterpretation, and ultimately, policy failure.

To tackle this, nutrition programs must:

  • Develop translations in at least 10 priority Nigerian languages;
  • Leverage community radio, which reaches millions in their mother tongues;
  • Train local communicators to co-create messages using local idioms and cultural references.

 

If we want to change Nigeria’s alarming nutrition statistics, we must first change how we speak, who we speak to, and in what language. And don’t get me wrong, the cost of food isn’t friendly either, but even within our means, informed choices can help us eat better. So, how about we feed the minds first, then the stomachs will follow?

Milliscent Nnwoka (Author)

Milliscent Nnwoka is an author, lawyer, and development journalist, and founder of Bright Byte Media Learning (BBML), a platform advancing media literacy and strategic communication in Africa.
She has led major initiatives in health, politics, and development, including training women leaders and supporting different campaigns.
A published researcher and PhD candidate in Mass Communication, her work explores how National Assembly TV’s social media drives legislative transparency and citizen engagement.

 

 

 

#CSOs, Advocacy, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, SDGS, Youth

AFRIKA VUKA DAY 2025

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Comr. Smith Nwokocha and the students

By Smith Nwokocha

Afrika Vuka Day is closely tied to Africa Day and it is a powerful moment of Pan-African Solidarity to demand an end to Fossil Fuels expansion across the Continent. This year in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, precisely the 22nd of May, 2025; Young community students and youngsters, over 500 of them, were so excited to be part of the Afrika Vuka Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, which is tied to Africa Day. It was historic for the young champions of Niger Delta region of Nigeria, as the principal (Mrs. Jubo Thompson) and other staff and teachers including some parents that were around, expressed happiness joining the Celebration. The focus was instilled on the theme: “REPower Afrika”.

Demands were made, which emphasised the need for our leaders and policymakers in Nigeria and Africa to ensure a just and fair Renewable Energy Transition, among other demands.

Comr. Smith Nwokocha stressed the importance of the theme, using Renewable Energy to power up Africa by powering countries on the Continent. For Nigerians and the teeming youths in the Niger Delta, #REPowerNigeria, means, using RE to curb the Energy deficiency or deficit in the Country, wondering how a country with so much Oil and Gas, still faced with pathetic Electricity supply/Power shortage.

A Solar Panel that charges an Android phone and other gadgets was donated to the Community School (Community Secondary School, Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria) for use and, more importantly, to see the need for RE and the usefulness and efficiency of Solar Power. Again, a Solar Lamp was lighted for all to see, and they appreciated the natural flow of power source (Solar). The young champions promise to take action on RE through Advocacy ad Campaigns.

Assembling of Solar lamp

Subsequently, Nwokocha introduced a Guest who spoke to the students on “Greatness that brings out the African Strength”, Dr. David Chukwueke, he pulled the young champions through seeing their values as Africans and nothing short of greatness. They have been educated to stand out as future leaders.

Lastly, Smith Nwokocha, the Coordinator, Quest For Growth and Development Foundation, appreciates Afrika Vuka Network for being a network of “Green Hope” (Repowering Africa through Renewable Energy) for the African Continent.

 #REPowerNigeria to #REPowerAfrika

Students demonstrating with Climate Parachute
#CSOs, Advocacy, Climate Change, Oil and Gas, SDGS

Shell not off the hook for tens of billions in clean up liabilities after Nigeria asset sale, Niger Delta groups warn shareholders

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Press Statement

London, 20 May 2025

 

Shell will retain legal liability and moral responsibility for the clean up of historic pollution in the Niger Delta if the buyer of its Nigerian subsidy SPDC cannot pay, warn impacted community members and international supporters as investors meet for the Shell plc Annual General Meeting (AGM). These liabilities, from 70 years of oil exploration and extraction, could total tens of billions of dollars.

Shell claims that under the terms of the sale to the Renaissance Group – a consortium of five firms comprising four Nigerian exploration and production companies and an international energy group – it has passed these liabilities to the buyer. However, under Nigerian, English and International law, there may be historic and residual liability that remains with Shell plc.

In addition, as part of the sale, Shell provided $2.5 billion USD in loan facilities to Renaissance. The terms of this loan deal remain opaque, Niger Delta groups and civil society organisations say, raising questions about whether Renaissance will be able to repay. Such opacity is also completely inconsistent with transparency obligations Shell signed up to as a board member of the EITI.

Nigerian authorities have raised concerns about the ability of Renaissance to pay for clean up and remediation liabilities. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) originally rejected Shell plc’s divestment application in October 2024, citing Renaissance’s lack of financial and technical ability to manage the assets, following concerns raised by international consultants S&P Global in a report, which remains secret. While this ruling was overturned by the Nigerian presidency, SPDC, Renaissance and the Federal Republic of Nigeria are now facing a lawsuit over the oil license transfer in Nigeria courts, on the grounds of failure to comply with Nigerian law, including failing to provide a required study on the state of the environment. A session of that court case is scheduled for May 26, 2025.

Repairing the human and environmental damage caused to local communities is likely to cost at least $12 billion in just one of the 9 Niger Delta states where Shell has been active, according to a comprehensive 4-year study by international researchers for the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission. In addition, Shell and its subsidiaries and associates are parties to a

number of legal disputes in Nigeria, the USA, and England calling for compensation to impacted communities. Shell management itself acknowledges in its 2024 annual report that these are “material” in scale.

In addition to the suit over the Renaissance sale, Shell is also facing two lawsuits in the UK. One by the Ogale and Bille communities alleges that Shell contaminated their land and waterways, and another by the Bodo community claiming cleanup costs of at least $660 million USD.

This pollution is directly harming the livelihoods and health of communities in the Niger Delta. One recent study by the Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre found women in the community of Otuabagi had 8000 times WHO permissible limits of hydrocarbon levels in their blood. Chronic exposure to these chemicals can lead to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological illnesses, respiratory disorders, visual and gastrointestinal ailments, and skin conditions. Other studies have documented the impact of spills on the local fishing industry.

Nigerian civil society groups and international allies will attend the Shell AGM on May 20 to ask Shell management to provide assurances that oil pollution in the Niger Delta will be fully cleaned up and communities compensated.

Dr. Emem Okon, Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, (Nigeria): “When will Shell stop prioritising profit over public health? Our findings from the blood tests of 80 women in Otuabagi, show hydrocarbon levels more than 8000 times above World Health Organization permissible limits. The Bayelsa Oil and Environment Commission tested the blood of 1600 persons and all had hydrocarbons in their blood too. Women are suffering from respiratory diseases, fertility problems, breast cancer, eyesight impairment, among many others! Shell cannot divest without clean-up and remediation!”

Nick Hildyard, Founder and Director of The Corner House (UK): “Why should investors have any confidence that the pollution for which Shell is responsible will be cleaned up when Shell itself has reportedly acknowledged to the UK Government it had ‘encountered difficulties persuading NNPC and the wider Nigerian authorities to agree to permit sale’ and that ‘NNOC said there is no one able to buy and run the assets’; and that, ultimately, ‘We just have to trust that they [Renaissance] can handle the cleanup’?

Ana Xambre Pereira, Advocacy Officer, Both ENDS (Netherlands): “A just energy transition is critical and it is about time Shell takes part in it. Shell’s current exit is not a responsible divestment nor an energy transition, it’s an offloading of toxic assets and liabilities onto the local communities, while Shell continues its offshore fossil fuel operations and walks away with the profits. A just energy transition means enforcing clear standards for responsible divestment now, before more communities are sacrificed.”

Cindy Coltman, Co-director of Hawkmoth (Netherlands): “We stand in solidarity with the people of the Niger Delta calling for justice and accountability of Shell plc. There is no mention of a clean-up fund in Shell’s Annual Report regarding the sale of SPDC. This deal is unfair to the people affected by decades of unabated oil pollution and Shell seems poised to develop, trade

and benefit from Nigerian offshore oil and gas without taking responsibility for cleaning up and decommissioning aging infrastructure onshore. This cannot stand.”

—

 

Media Contacts:

Ana Xambre Pereira, Both ENDS, a.xambrepereira@bothends.org, +31 618479828

 

Cindy Coltman, Hawkmoth, cindyco@protonmail.com; + 31 625524361

 

Notes to Editors:

This press release is being issued by Hawkmoth on behalf of a coalition of ten international and Nigerian-based non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations working on issues related to oil and gas industry operations in Nigeria. Members in Nigeria include Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) and Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre; international members include Hawkmoth, Both ENDS and The Corner House. On Shell’s Capital Markets Day, on behalf of 195 civil society organisations, this Letter to Shell plc was sent to the Executive Committee.

Further resources:

Pollution impacts in the Niger Delta

 

Current Legal Cases Against Shell plc

 

Background on the sale of SPDC to Renaissance

 

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