A Niger Delta-based humanitarian organisation has issued a 31-day pre-action notice to President Bola Tinubu, demanding urgent action on environmental pollution, abandoned infrastructure and alleged political marginalisation in the oil-producing region.
The Peace Development, Security and Humanitarian Rights Association of Niger Deltans warned that it might institute legal proceedings against relevant federal institutions if the government failed to address its concerns within the stipulated period.
The group’s President, Comrade Mike JK Tiemo, said the demands included compensation and environmental remediation for communities affected by the December 2011 Bonga oil spill, accelerated completion of the East-West Road and the immediate commencement of work on the Udo-Inikorogha-Ofunama Road and Ogbudugbudu Bridge.
The association also called for a transparent construction schedule for the coastal road project linking Rivers State to Ondo State, arguing that clear timelines and contractor responsibilities were necessary to ensure accountability and prevent further delays.
On the Bonga oil spill, the group urged the Federal Government to engage Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, alongside relevant regulatory agencies and affected communities, to establish the status of outstanding compensation claims, assess environmental damage and facilitate appropriate remediation.
It said the consequences of oil pollution extended beyond damaged waterways and fishing grounds, affecting the livelihoods of residents who depended on fishing, farming and other natural resources. It called for transparent verification of claims and measures to restore affected communities’ economic activities.
The association also expressed concern over the condition of the East-West Road and the prolonged neglect of the Udo-Inikorogha-Ofunama Road and Ogbudugbudu Bridge. It urged the government to mobilise contractors and provide verifiable timelines for the execution and completion of the projects.
On political representation, the group demanded the creation of state and federal constituencies for Ijaw communities in Egbema, Olodiama, Fupagha, Ikomu and Gbaraum kingdoms in Edo State. It urged the relevant authorities to consider the demand through the constitutional and electoral processes governing representation.
The group further advocated the establishment of properly regulated community-based modular refineries, improved electricity supply, stricter enforcement against unlawful gas flaring and increased investment in Warri and Onne ports.
It argued that such measures could expand employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses and improve living conditions across the region.
The association’s General Secretary, Comrade Wilson Macaulay, said the 31-day notice was intended to give the government an opportunity to engage stakeholders and address the grievances before legal action was initiated.
He urged Niger Delta residents to scrutinise the records and development commitments of political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the region’s concerns should no longer be met with unfulfilled promises.
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