By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – In a resounding call for change, the Abuja Ethnic Youth Coalition for Peace (AEYCP), joined by other civil society groups in the Niger-Delta, has emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in how matters concerning the region are addressed.

They urged stakeholders in oil-producing communities (HostComs) to reconsider the habitual convening of meetings in Abuja that seemingly bear no direct relevance to the indigenous people of the nation’s capital.

Shekwonugaza Yakubu, the National President of the AEYCP, addressed journalists during a protest at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Council (NUPRC) Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Yakubu began by acknowledging the sacrifices of those advocating for an inclusive Niger Delta and commended the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as a legislative stride toward prosperity.

Despite optimism in the government’s commitment, the call for reform in addressing Niger-Delta regional matters gained prominence.

Yakubu urged the NUPRC CEO, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, to reconsider convening meetings in Abuja and opt for the Commission’s fully operational facility in Warri, Delta State.

He said, “Our assembly here today is underscored by a pressing need for reformation in how Niger-Delta regional matters are addressed. We call upon all stakeholders in the Niger Delta, particularly those from oil-producing communities, to reconsider the habitual convening in Abuja for meetings that bear no direct relevance to the indigenous people of Abuja.

“This practice not only incurs unnecessary costs but also distances the decision-making process from the very people it affects.

“We urge the Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, to further the government’s admirable efforts in cost-cutting and plugging financial leakages by refraining from hosting such meetings in Abuja. The NUPRC has a fully operational facility in Warri, Delta State, which should serve as the primary venue for these critical discussions.”

Transitioning to a broader perspective, Yakubu drew parallels with Northern leaders who convene in Kaduna, emphasizing the need for Niger Delta stakeholders to hold discussions within their own terrain.

According to him, the essence lies not only in cost-cutting but in fostering greater local engagement, ownership, and transparent decision-making processes.

He explained, “It is a common practice for Northern leaders to convene in Kaduna, their regional bastion, ensuring that their deliberations are rooted in the context of their locality. The Niger Delta stakeholders should follow suit, embracing the opportunity to hold discussions in their own terrain. Their meetings should be conducted with dignity and transparency, allowing for a direct interaction with their people.

“Moreover, convening within the Niger Delta would foster a greater sense of ownership and participation among community members. It would encourage local engagement and ensure that the voices of those most impacted by the oil industry are heard and considered. This proximity to the heart of the issues would also facilitate quicker resolution of challenges, allowing for the development of more relevant and effective strategies.

“It is time to align stakeholders’ actions with their aspirations and to lead by example in embracing the principles of self-governance and accountability. By holding their meetings within the Niger Delta, they can demonstrate a commitment to addressing their region’s challenges on the people’s own terms, and only then present their consolidated positions to the federal government in Abuja.

“The significance of this call extends beyond mere logistics; it embodies a fundamental shift towards empowering the people and fostering a sense of ownership over decisions that shape their collective future. We implore all stakeholders to heed this call and support the movement for the localization of their discussions and decision-making processes.”

Victor Udoh, a prominent figure in the Niger Delta struggle, echoed this sentiment during a subsequent address.

Udoh emphasized transparency, challenging stakeholders who insist on Abuja meetings. He outlined the Niger Delta’s commitment to maintain confidential discussions within the region and proposed amendments to the PIA when necessary.

Udoh’s call for dialogue over confrontation underscored the Niger Delta’s desire for peaceful resolution. His plea for solidarity and collective action resonated, emphasizing the importance of meetings reflective of the desires of the people in the Niger-Delta region.