BITUMEN DISCOURSE!!

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE BITUMEN COMMUNITIES CONSULTATIVE FORUM ORGANIZED BY ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS ACTION/FRIENDS OF THE EARTH NIGERIA ON 22 DECEMBER 2016 AT THE SUNVIEW HOTEL, AKURE

 

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) organised a one-day bitumen communities’ forum at the Sunview Hotel, Akure on 22 December 2016.

The event was attended by ERA management and staff, community representatives (His highnesses, chiefs, women and youths) from Ondo, Ogun and Edo States who brainstormed on the current status of the planned bitumen extraction in the country, and particularly, the failure of the Nigerian government to consult with the local communities in all the processes.

In his welcome address, ERA/FoEN Deputy Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi explained that the meeting was called to examine new developments in respect to the President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan to finally start bitumen exploitation and exploration.

Speaking on TIME TO LEAVE TAR IN THE SAND!, Oluwafemi explained that despite all the government had said about diversification, the kind of diversification community people want in the energy sector is one that is clean, safe, community-driven and cheap. He noted, however, that bitumen is not any of these things since it is heavy crude and considered dirty energy.

During the deliberations participants observed that:

1.       The Nigerian economy is still highly dependent on fossil fuels and this has given undue powers and influence to the extractive industry as government continues to place revenue generation above lives and livelihoods.

2.       Fossil fuels continue to pollute the environment and this continues to impact on livelihoods of the local people cause violent conflicts.

3.       In the planned extraction of bitumen the Nigerian government has not learnt from the examples of oil extraction in the Niger Delta where non consultation with locals have led to crisis, oppression and deaths

4.       The Nigerian government is about to or may have signed contractual agreements with some new companies, the contents of these agreements have not been made public

5.       Like the earlier companies, the so-called new investors in the planned bitumen extraction have been meeting with communities and signing agreements with local communities that they understand nothing about

6.       There are no institutional frameworks or structures in place to engage the communities. Such structures for engagement and interface must be located in the community

7.       Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is yet to be carried out in the communities identified in the bitumen belt and by` implication, there is lack of information on government’s plans to exploit bitumen. This is causing apathy among the people as they fear forced relocation

8.       Examples abound that all forms of bitumen extraction leaves irreparable scar on the environment

9.       The whole process of bitumen extraction as currently ongoing is devoid of transparency and accountability and shrouded in secrecy

Participants therefore recommended strongly that:

1.       The Nigerian government break-free from fossils and explore safe and clean renewables that are cheap and community-driven 

2.       A clean up of Ogoniland as a first step and other communities across the country impacted by fossil fuels. In doing this, the government must ensure the protection of the people and the sustainability of a healthy environment.

3.       Immediate commencement of the process of engaging communities in dialogue to create awareness and unity amongst them in their agitation for a better environment.

4.       The Nigerian government halt any agreements with unknown companies. Bitumen extraction will worsen the environment because of its corrosiveness and dirty nature. Contractual agreements that have been made with the new bitumen companies must be made public.

5.       Urgent need for the convening of a national forum of bitumen communities with adequate representation from all communities that fall under the bitumen belt

6.       Put in place an institutional structure or agency that the communities can interface or engage with

7.       Updated geo-mapping and conduct of EIA in the communities to address the genuine concerns of the communities

8.       The Nigerian government Leave tar in the sand to avoid the crisis in the Niger Delta repeating in the bitumen belt

9.       Before bitumen extraction, there must be a review of the Mining Act 2007 to reflect existing realities and concerns by the local communities.

10.   There must be transparency and accountability in the entire bitumen belt.