Activists storms venue of 6th Nigeria International Energy Summit over fossil fuel exploration

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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