The International Human Rights Protection Service (IHPS) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the activities of oil and gas companies and key intervention agencies operating in the Niger Delta, alleging that corruption and poor accountability have contributed to the region’s prolonged underdevelopment.
The call was made by the Special Envoy to West Africa for the International Human Rights Protection Service, Ambassador Charles Omini, during a two-day working visit to the Niger Delta.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Omini expressed concern over what he described as the continued hardship faced by communities in the oil-rich region despite decades of intervention programmes and significant financial allocations.
He alleged that agencies established to drive development in the Niger Delta, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), have not adequately addressed the socio-economic challenges confronting residents.
According to Omini, funds allocated for the development of the region should be subjected to thorough scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability. He called on relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the management of resources earmarked for development projects in the Niger Delta.
The human rights advocate also urged oil and gas companies operating in the region to uphold the rights of host communities by fulfilling their social responsibilities and ensuring that communities benefit from the natural resources extracted from their lands.
Ambassador Omini further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to remain transparent and accountable in the management of funds and development initiatives intended for the benefit of local communities.
He maintained that greater accountability, responsible leadership, and effective utilization of development funds are essential to addressing poverty, insecurity, and infrastructural deficits across the Niger Delta.
The International Human Rights Protection Service reiterated its commitment to monitoring developments in the region and advocating for policies that promote justice, accountability, and sustainable development for the people of the Niger Delta.
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