Tag Archives: #CSOs

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS CONDEMN ASSAULT ON THE CIVIC SPACE BY THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION

The undersigned civil society organizations are seriously disturbed by the alarming and troubling rate with which the ruling All-Progressive Congress (APC) government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resorted to utilizing Nigeria’s security agencies as instruments of harassment, intimidation, and suppression against Labour groups and vocal civil society organizations (CSOs). This troubling trend raises serious questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria, as it appears to be a deliberate strategy aimed at stifling dissent and curtailing the voices of those who dare to challenge the status quo.

The actions of the government in this regard seem to be a calculated response to the growing discontent among the populace, which has been fuelled by widespread corruption, extravagant spending by those in power, and the implementation of policies that are increasingly detrimental to the well-being of ordinary Nigerians. These policies have not only exacerbated the existing socio-economic challenges but have also contributed to a climate of fear and repression, where legitimate grievances are met with force rather than dialogue.

Therefore, we condemn in strong terms possible the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to suppress dissent among citizens, restrict civil society, and undermine Nigeria’s civic environment. The actions taken by the government in recent weeks have raised serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in our nation. It is alarming to witness the increasing measures aimed at stifling voices that challenge the status quo, as well as the systematic targeting of organizations and individuals who advocate for transparency, accountability, and social justice.

We urge the prompt rectification of the numerous errors made in the past months, which have not only eroded public trust but have also created an atmosphere of fear and repression. It is imperative that the government acknowledges these missteps and takes immediate action to restore the rights and freedoms that are the cornerstone of a democratic society. This includes the retraction of any policies or actions that unjustly limit the ability of citizens to express their opinions, assemble peacefully, and engage in meaningful dialogue with their government.

Furthermore, we assert the necessity for the respect of constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of assembly and association, freedom of expression, and the principles of participatory governance. These rights are not merely privileges; they are fundamental to the functioning of a healthy democracy. Citizens must be allowed to gather, protest, and voice their concerns without fear of retribution. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the needs and rights of the populace, and their work should be supported, not hindered.

Prior to September 9, 2024, analysts observing Nigeria’s civic environment would have rated the Bola Tinubu administration poorly regarding its efforts to safeguard and enhance press freedom, the right to associate, peaceful assembly, and self-expression. However, the events of September 9, 2024, marked a significant deterioration to an already bad situation for an administration that has increasingly demonstrated its willingness to suppress dissenting voices. In a manner reminiscent of Nigeria’s oppressive military regime, the Nigerian Government deployed agents from the Department of State Services to unlawfully arrest the leader of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero. Before we could fully comprehend the ramifications of this incident, we learned that agents from the same agency had also besieged the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil society organization working to advance the social, economic, and cultural rights of the Nigerian populace.

The Tinubu administration, which took office on May 29, 2023, has been marked by a troubling pattern of neglect towards the concerns and aspirations of large segments of the Nigerian population. This administration appears to be following a path similar to that of its predecessor, the Buhari administration, which was widely criticized for its failure to safeguard the civic space and uphold democratic principles. The current government seems intent on not only maintaining but potentially exacerbating the shortcomings of the Buhari regime, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.

One of the most alarming developments under the Tinubu administration is the alarming frequency with which journalists are being targeted. Reports indicate that these individuals are being abducted from their homes and subjected to various forms of harassment on an almost daily basis. This systematic targeting occurs merely because they are exercising their constitutional duty to hold the government accountable to the citizens. Such actions not only undermine press freedom but also create a climate of fear that stifles dissent and discourages critical reporting on government actions.

The situation escalated dramatically when Nigerians took to the streets last month to peacefully protest against the worsening economic conditions and escalating insecurity in the country. Instead of engaging with the citizens and addressing their grievances, the Nigerian Police responded with excessive force. The deployment of tear gas and the unlawful detention of over 1,000 individuals during these protests exemplifies a troubling disregard for the right to peaceful assembly. Tragically, this brutal response resulted in at least 30 fatalities, highlighting the severe consequences of the government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent.

Moreover, the crackdown on dissent has extended to the arrest of minors, with several individuals aged between 14 and 17 facing treason charges. These young protesters, who were merely advocating for an end to bad governance under the #EndBadGovernance movement, are now entangled in a legal battle that could have devastating implications for their futures. This situation raises critical questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of its citizens, particularly the youth, who are often the most vulnerable in times of political unrest.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2024, a significant new low was reached. The arrest of the NLC President and the almost simultaneous siege on the offices of SERAP, represents a threshold that should never be crossed in any nation that claims to uphold democratic principles. Democracy serves as a mechanism for participatory governance, functioning optimally when dissenters are permitted to lawfully contest the authorities in an environment where their rights are protected. This aligns with our Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble peacefully, associate freely, and express their views. Furthermore, the Constitution explicitly assigns the press the duty of ensuring government accountability.

It may be beneficial for the Tinubu administration to revisit the fundamental principles of democracy. A comprehensive review of these principles can provide a solid foundation for governance that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the citizens of Nigeria. In this context, we recommend that the administration thoroughly examine the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which serves as the supreme law of the land and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the citizens. This examination should not only focus on the constitutional provisions but also consider the historical and social contexts in which the Constitution was drafted and adopted.

Additionally, the administration should take into account the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria has ratified. This charter emphasizes the importance of human rights, democracy, and good governance across the continent. By aligning its policies and practices with the principles enshrined in both the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter, the Tinubu administration can foster a political environment that respects individual freedoms, promotes social justice, and encourages active citizen participation in the democratic process.

In light of recent events, we strongly call upon the government and its security agencies to take the following actions:

 

  1. Immediately halt the unjust and illegal harassment of officials of the NLC.
  2. Provide a prompt and unconditional apology to the President of the NLC for his unlawful arrest and harassment.
  3. The DSS should also extend an unqualified apology for this unjust and audacious assault.
  4. Promptly release all peaceful demonstrators who were detained during the #EndBadGovernance protest, particularly ensuring the unconditional release of minors. Additionally, the treason charges against these individuals should be dropped immediately.
  5. The Nigerian government must direct its agencies and departments to implement a human rights-centered approach when addressing dissent, particularly during protests. A fundamental principle of the democratic framework we claim to uphold is the allowance of dissenting opinions.
  6. The callous and unwarranted harassment of civic actors like Omoyele Sowore should end. Nigerians should not be harassed because they choose to exercise their right to freedom of expression in a manner that the government finds unpalatable.
  7. President Tinubu should initiate a dialogue involving civil society organizations, media representatives, and professional groups in Nigeria.
     

We caution that neglecting the responsibilities will only exacerbate the struggles of Nigerians, who are already burdened by a severely mismanaged economy. It conveys to the international community that residing in “Africa’s Largest Democracy” is akin to existence under a dictatorship. It is the Government’s guaranteed ticket to both national and international embarrassment.

The period characterized by the oppressive measures of dictatorship ended in 1999. Such an era is not endorsed by Nigeria’s constitution and fails to meet the aspirations of the Nigerian populace, thereby lacking legitimacy.

Signed:

  • RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
  • Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
  • Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
  • Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
  • African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
  • Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
  • BudgIT Foundation
  • Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
  • State of the Union (SOTU)
  • Tax Justice and Governance Platform
  • Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
  • Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
  • Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
  • Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
  • Centre Democracy and Development (CDD)
  • Accountability Lab, Nigeria
  • Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID}
  • Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
  • Femi Falana Chamber
  • Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
  • Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
  • Good Governance Team
  • 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
  • Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
  • Mothers and Marginalised Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
  • Social Action
  • Centre for Transparency Watch
  • West Africa Civil Society Forum WASCSOF
  • Global Rights
  • African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
  • Partners West Africa
  • Order Paper
  • Say No Campaign
  • Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria. ERA
  • Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
  • Amnesty International Nigeria
  • Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
  • Connected Development (CODE)
  • Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
  • Praxis
  • CLEEN Foundation
  • Spaces for Change
  • Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
  • Yiaga Africa
  • Policy Alert
  • Socio Economic Research and Development Centre
  • Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
  • Media Rights Agenda
  • Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive industries (MITEI)
  • Centre for Social Centre for Justice Reform
  • Centre for Community Empowerment in conflict and Peace building -Kaduna
  • Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights
  • Open Society on Justice Reform Project
  • Environmental Rights Action
  • Sesor Empowerment Foundation
  • World Impact Development Foundation
  • Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation
  • Elixir Trust Foundation
  • Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
  • Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative
  • (WRAPA)
  • Community Life Project (CLP)
  • Women in Mining,Nigeria
  • Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
  • Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
  • Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
  • Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
  • Lawyers Alert
  • Nigeria Network of NGOs
  • INVICTUS AFRICA

COMMUNIQUE AT THE 2024 SOUTH-SOUTH REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN CALABAR, NIGERIA.

By Global Rights Nigeria

COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations
in Nigeria

Calabar,

Cross River State Nigeria

Cross River State Nigeria

Background

Global Rights in collaboration with the Community
of
Practice (COP) on Civic Space Strengthening and the European

Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS convened

the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations
in
Nigeria. The theme of the conference
was “Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Operational Environment for
Non-Profit Sector
in Nigeria”. The hybrid event took place in Calabar, the Cross River State capital on the 27th of June
2024
with over 200 in-person

participants and over 50 virtual participants.

The conference was primarily focused on driving critical conversations among stakeholders on ways of improving the regulatory environment for
the non-profit
sector in Nigeria particularly to highlight
the
need for the harmonization of the CSO regulatory framework at the subnational levels to address
issues
such as the multiplicity of registration requirements with different MDAs. Also, the conference

further sought to facilitate a shared understanding of the opportunities in extant laws that could enhance CSO operations at the subnational level.
The Conference reflected
on efforts

to strengthen the civic space and
improve
the regulatory environment in
South-South Nigeria,
particularly through the project presently implemented by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice

on Civic Space Strengthening with support from the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the
ECOWAS.

Participants at the conference:

Acknowledged
the pivotal role CSOs play in our society; agreeing that significant challenges
and
overbearing standards mark the landscape in which CSOs operate in Nigeria, particularly the regulatory multiplicity and registration requirements. They agreed to leverage a multi-sectoral

stakeholder engagement approach in facilitating a model framework
for
improving the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.

Reckoned sustained support of the European Union
Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS and commended

the efforts of Global Rights

and the Community of Practice

(COP) on Civic Space
Strengthening and sustaining conversations
to promote an improved regulatory environment for
CSOs in Nigeria.
Underscored the need for the harmonization of regulatory frameworks at the subnational level.
The pivotal role of the legislature in facilitating an improved regulatory environment for CSO operation in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the conference recognize

The importance of forging partnerships between the Arms of government and civil society
organizations
in strengthening the ethos of democracy in Nigeria.
That the
multiplicity of registration requirements serves as a major bottleneck to the
operation
of CSOs, especially at subnational levels.

The imperativeness of improving CSO regulatory framework through effective policy

and legislations
That the convergence
of processes
for registration eliminates multiplicity, reducing costs
and
enhancing accountability and transparency. This partnership will
further infer trust, confidence, and credibility on the State.
The imperative of co-creating regulatory framework with inputs of civil society organizations.

That the Constitutional right to freedom of association lies central to the efforts of CSOs to improve

their ability to operate in Nigeria.




The limitation CSOs registered at the subnational level face in accessing funds and attracting

recognition from financial institutions.




That CSOs in the South-South region face the particular challenge of accessing government

offices to obtain relevant documents necessary for obtaining funding.



The challenges

posed by inadequate resources and funding of the CSO sector.



The lack of institutionalized framework for
coordination of CSO interventions at the subnational level.




The recent and
developing
practice of excluding State
and
Local Government registered CSOs from access to

bank accounts and, by
implication,
other financial services. This
is a
result of SCUML’s decision to discontinue its
onboarding/issuing of SCUML’s certificate to State/Local
Government registered CSOs.

Conference

Resolutions

Having acknowledged the value CSOs bring and the role they play in fostering democracy, promoting

social justice, driving development and facilitating social change, and recognizing the overbearing

standards and regulatory bottlenecks that hinder the effective operation of CSOs, the conference

resolved as follows:


1)


The governments including the executive, legislature, and judiciary in the south-south region

will work in harmony with the civil
society organizations to adopt a regulatory framework that
allows a single MDA

to register CSOs
in
the States such a model will promote the accessibility needed for improving

the regulatory environment for CSO operations.


2)


All stakeholders including the regulators, CSOs, legislature, and donor agencies commit to drive the process of developing a model harmonization policy or law for CSO registration
requirements at the state level
with input from all
relevant stakeholders which will not only enhance
the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the sector but also provide opportunity to the state government to coordinate CSOs interventions within the state better.


3)

To promote

holistic inclusion in efforts to improve the regulatory environment for CSOs including paying attention to key actors, gender,
disability
and other parameters

for inclusion including

access to bank accounts and other financial services by State/Local Government

registered CSOs).

Conference

Recommendations

The Conference consequently proffered the following recommendations:


1.


A mutually beneficial relationship between the arms and three tiers of government with civil society organizations playing pivotal roles in national development.


2.


Harmonizing regulatory
compliance requirements
and identifying
a unanimously agreed single body responsible for registering CSOs in the State to avoid multiplicity of registration and
regulations.


3.


Improved collaboration between the State and CSOs to foster the implementation of their
plans
and programs,

including financing CSOs.


4.

Enhanced collaboration between

the State and CSOs to drive the process of developing a model

framework that would

improve the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.


5.

Deemphasizing

the multiplicity of registration requirements within the State,

to ensure accessibility, centralization, and simpler
regulatory
compliance

requirements.


6.

The legislature should

work in concert with the office of the Commissioner of Justice to propose a bill to confer body corporate to organizations registered at the state and local government
levels based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the judicial precedent
set
by the Court of Appeal and the principle of federalism operating in Nigeria.


7.


An amendment to the Constitution to remove the ambiguity of Item 32 Part 1 of the second

schedule. The focus

on Item 32 should be examined through

this lens to ensure simpler registration and regulatory requirements for CSO operations.

Conclusion

The 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations

in Nigeria was a great opportunity for continued engagements between the
various arms of government, donor communities, the private sector, and Civil Society Organizations. The conference

allowed the stakeholders to define a model for facilitating enhanced

collaboration between the regulators, policy/lawmakers, and CSOs.

It is expected that if adopted, it will lessen

the burden associated

with compliance. The Conference gave all stakeholders the opportunity to discuss their concerns

and proffer sustainable
solutions
to improving the regulatory framework for a
sustained
CSO operational environment.

The participants at the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment

for CSO Operations in Nigeria, outlined

in this communiqué the need to improve

the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.

Conference Participants

The conference served as a
convergence
point, bringing together an array of stakeholders,
including civil
society organizations, government representatives
including the office of
the Governor of Cross River, Office of the Chief Judge of Cross
River State,
Office of the Secretary to the Cross
River State Government,
Office of the First Lady of Cross River State, the Clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Cross River State House Committee on Due Process, Anti-Corruption, International Donor Support,

and SDGs, Cross River
State
Ministry of Women Affairs, Akwa Ibom
State Ministry
of Women Affairs and Social Welfare,

Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,

Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare and
Development, Cross River State Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), House of Representative Committee on Civil Society

Organizations and Development Matters, and donor agencies including the European Union Commission and Ford Foundation.

Civil Society Organizations and Networks that participated in the south-south regional conference
include:


1.


African Child Initiative


2.


African Potential Developers Initiative


3.


Arc Initiative Africa


4.


Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative


5.


Advocates of Peace, Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG)


6.


Akwamfon
Sustainable
Community

Association


7.


Alive for Health and Progress Initiative


8.


Atycare Initiative


9.


A Well-informed Adolescent Initiative


10.


Sustainable Movement for Equity


11.


Basic Foundation for Socio-Economic
Development
of Rural Women and Youths


12.


BenCare Foundation


13.


Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation


14.


Bestway Initiative

for Health Education and Self-sufficiency


15.


Biakwan Light Green Initiative


16.


Biodiversity Rescue Club


17.


Breaking

Barriers Against Persons with Disabilities and Women


18.


Centre for Creative

Development Strategies (CCDS)


19.


Center for Development Support Initiatives (CEDSI)


20.


Centre for Justice

Empowerment and Development


21.


Centre for Healthworks, Development and Research Initiative (CHEDRES)


22.


Centre for Peace
Education
and Community

Development


23.


Child Protection

Network (CPN) Nigeria, Cross River State


24.


Citizen Community Aid and Development initiative


25.


Citizen Solution Network


26.


Civil Society National Self-Regulation Council (CNSRC)


27.


Clean Technology

Hub


28.


CLEEN Foundation


29.


Coalition

of Youth Advocates on Electioneering in Nigeria


30.


Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening


31.


Community Resource Development Foundation (CREDEF)


32.


COMPPART

Foundation for Justice and Peace Building


33.


Connected

Advocacy


34.


Cross River State Civil Society Network


35.


CSO Accountability and Transparency Initiative (CATI)


36.


Development Research and Synergy Initiative


37.


Ebase Sam Foundation


38.


Edem Children Foundation (ECF)


39.


Egbema

Clean and Green Initiative


40.


Emerging

Gender Plus Outreach Team (EGOT)


41.


Environmental Development Initiative (EDI)


42.


FACICP Disability Plus


43.


Fringe Voices Development Foundation


44.


Frontier

for Peace Advocacy and Governance Initiative


45.


Forther

Girls Empowerment organization


46.


Gender and Development Action


47.


Girls Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar


48.


Global Rights


49.


Go Learners


50.


Great Step Initiative


51.


Green Concern for Development


52.


Green Hands International for Health Development


53.


Greenlife Organization


54.


Green Vision for Community

Development Initiative


55.


Habitat Protection

and Sustainable Development Initiative


56.


Hazethal

Women Foundation (HWF)


57.


Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)


58.


Hope Ability

Empowerment Initiative


59.


Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative


60.


IBDN


61.


Initiative

for Community Development (ICD)


62.


Initiative for Contemporary Rights


63.


Jeksume Foundation Nigeria


64.


Justice Development

and Peace Caritas, Calabar


65.


Lawrence

Igbudu Foundation


66.


League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV)


67.


Lekah Development Foundation


68.


Lemu Charity Foundation


69.


Life Assurance

for Future Initiative


70.


Life Empowerment Foundation


71.


Lighthope

Succor Worldwide initiative


72.


Liman Iwara Foundation

(LIFO)


73.


LITE-Africa


74.

MAAG Africa


75.


Milestone

Initiative for Human Rights and Empowerment


76.

MIND Initiative


77.


Mirabel

Centre


78.


Neighbourhood Environment Watch (NEW) Foundation


79.


New Nigeria

Foundation


80.


Noble Classic


81.


Ofure Centre for Peace and Development


82.


Omoye Women and Youth Foundation


83.


Onyx Foundation Africa


84.


Panacea

for Development and Infrastructural Challenges for African Initiative (PADIC Africa)


85.


Partners For Peace in the Niger Delta


86.


Partnership

for Social and Development Initiative (P4SEDI)


87.


Peace Point Development


88.


Peace Mindset

Ambassadors


89.


Policy Alert


90.


Preventive Youths for Empowerment Network


91.


Psychomodelling Health and Wellness Initiative


92.


Quest For Growth and Development Foundation


93.


Rainbow Watch and Development Centre


94.


Rebuilders Foundation


95.


Refugee ICT Livelihood Initiative


96.


Rights Academy


97.


Rights and

Humanity Development Initiative


98.


Rubies Development Foundation


99.


Safe Space Development Foundation


100.

SBM Intelligence


101.


Search for Common Ground


102.


Spaces for Change


103.


Sterling Diamond Foundation


104.


Support for Girls Boys and Women Initiative (SUGBW)


105.


Support Persons in Trauma Initiative


106.

Surge Africa Organization 107.Sustainable Movement for Equity


108.


The Green Child International Organization


109.


Transparency Elderly Care


110.


VaccidriveNG


111.


Vitonia Lead International Foundation


112.


WANEP


113.


We the People


114.


White Ribbon Alliance

for Safe motherhood


115.


Women Assist Foundation


116.


Women Empowerment and Rights Initiative (WERI)


117.


Women for Environmental Protection and Food
Security


118.


Women in Disabilities for Innovation


119.


Women Youths and Aged Succour Foundation


120.


World Leadership Network


121.


Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center


122.


Youth for Change and Social Life Development Foundation


123.


Youth Torch
Initiative (YOTI)

National Extractives Dialogue (NED2023) on Host Community Development Trusts by Spaces for Change.

Host Communities Leaders, Stakeholders, and CSOs Representative

NED2023 organised by Spaces for Change (S4C) & Nigeria Extractive industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT). It was held in Owerri , Imo State of Nigeria on 14th and 15th September, 2023. It was well coordinated with many in attendance from the Communities, Stakeholders, Civil Society Organizations -CSOs- and women were also well represented. It was loaded with everything concerning the HCDT to help communities do things rightly and the strategies to obtain all the HCDT benefits.

Cross-Section of Participants

The memories of the event will remain remarkable for all participants due to the resourceful engagement throughout the sessions from various experts. Participants thanked S4C for their commitment to help communities gain back their benefits, accepting to do trainings/capacity training whenever they are called on, selfless interest and service to humanity for better future for the common, marginalized and vulnerable persons in the Community, including those with special needs and everyone in the Communal stands affected by the impact of Climate Change, as a result of the production of Crude Oil, exploration and exploitation by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta Communities. In addition, the PIA Documents should be revisited for the benefits of both Host Communities and impacted Communities.

Group photographs of participants