By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has announced that the Ijaw Nation has been granted provisional admission into the United Nations Unrepresented Peoples Organisation (UNPO), describing the development as a significant milestone in its long-standing quest for enhanced self-representation and international advocacy.

In a statement issued on Friday, the INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, welcomed the decision and described it as an important step for the Ijaw people in bringing their concerns to the global arena.

Prof. Okaba noted that the new status offers the Ijaw Nation a recognised international platform to advance conversations around environmental protection, human rights, and self-determination.

His statement read in part: “On behalf of the entire Ijaw Nation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) announces our provisional admission into the United Nations Unrepresented Peoples Organisation (UNPO), effective 29th October 2025.

“This decision, communicated to us by the UNPO Presidency, marks our entry onto a global platform through which we can express our experiences and aspirations. It provides an opportunity for broader engagement on issues affecting our people.”

He added that UNPO membership offers several benefits, including enhanced visibility for Ijaw advocacy efforts and increased engagement with the international community.

According to him, the platform will assist the Ijaw in narrating their story directly to global audiences, deepening advocacy for environmental protection in the Niger Delta, and advancing discussions around political and cultural rights.

“We will now have access to UNPO’s capacity-building programmes, which will strengthen our skills in advocacy, human rights monitoring, and sustainable development. We also look forward to building alliances with other unrepresented groups across the world,” he said.

The INC President called on the Nigerian government to see the development as an opportunity for constructive dialogue on issues such as resource governance, environmental protection, and national restructuring.

“The Ijaw Nation is now formally positioned to collaborate with international partners as we work towards justice, peace, and sustainable development,” Okaba stated.