Revitalising the Niger Delta: Ijaw Youths Council Pushes for Relocation of IOCs’ Headquarters
The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has once again appealed to the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta, where they conduct their operations. The plea was articulated by the IYC spokesman, Ambassador Binebai Princewill, who emphasized the injustice of IOCs conducting business in the Niger Delta while having their headquarters situated elsewhere.
Princewill underscored the importance of IOCs relocating their headquarters to the Niger Delta, asserting that the Ijaw people should not be subjected to the unfair situation of not benefitting from the oil resources extracted from their land.
The IYC spokesman emphasized the need for the region to receive fair treatment and complete participation in the oil and gas sector. He highlighted the necessity of renegotiating the operations of oil companies to ensure the well-being and equitable treatment of the Ijaw and Niger Delta communities.
Moreover, the IYC reiterated its advocacy for fiscal federalism, referencing the Kaiama Declaration of December 11, 1998, which called for all federating units in Nigeria to have control over resources in their respective regions. Princewill stressed that the Ijaw people and others in the Niger Delta region have been subjected to political and economic exploitation, and it is imperative to address this injustice.
The implementation of the 2014 National Conference (Confab) Report was also highlighted as a critical step towards addressing the challenges facing Nigeria. Princewill underscored the need to conclude the unfinished business with the 2014 Confab in order to move the country forward and address the various issues it is currently encountering.
Additionally, the IYC affirmed its commitment to collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders to promote peace and unity in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. The organization emphasized the significance of professional conduct by the military and security forces in their interactions with the Niger Delta communities, particularly in light of past instances of unjustifiable actions against defenseless communities in the region.
The Ijaw Youths Council’s position reflects ongoing efforts to advocate for the rights and fair treatment of the Niger Delta communities and the broader goal of fostering sustainable peace and development in the region and the country as a whole.
