By IBRU NEJUVIE

According to the participants, the extraction of crude oil has led to unprecedented human rights abuse, environmental problems, fostering political and social conflicts in the Niger Delta and in other communities globally, which have been responded to by the militarization of community lands. In this militarized condition, women in particular have been victims, they said.

Arising from the observations, participants resolved that another energy future is necessary based upon abandoning the belief in export led growth in favour of servicing local basic needs; restructuring the price and production of energy and abandoning the dichotomy between development and environment

Participants called on governments across the world to declare a global moratorium on new oil and gas exploration and development until full eco-restoration and reparations are implemented in communities already impacted by extractive industries.

Said the group, “ government must recognize the alliance between the Nigerian and other governments and the oil multinationals in the form of Joint Venture Agreements that negate communities interests. The terms of these JVA must be made public and repudiated. These JVA must be replaced with democratically controlled government and local communities.