The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Nigeria has started a new project to help an oil-producing community in Akwa Ibom State deal with the negative effects of oil spills.
This project is funded by CARITAS Canada and is called “Strengthening Community Resilience to Oil Spill Impacts in Akwa Ibom State.” It was launched during a meeting on Thursday in Eket. Many government officials, community leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and development partners attended this meeting.
The project will focus on the Okoro Utip community in Ibeno Local Government Area. Residents have complained for years about the environmental and economic problems caused by oil pollution.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how oil spills pollute rivers and ruin livelihoods in Ibeno. The newspaper also reported that communities affected by oil spills have threatened to take legal action against oil companies over pollution.
According to JRS Nigeria, this project aims to help residents, who are vulnerable to climate change, by encouraging community involvement in tackling the environmental, social, and economic effects of oil spills.
The organization noted that decades of oil spills in the Niger Delta have harmed ecosystems, affected public health, reduced food security, and hurt the livelihoods of many people.
Community-Centered Approach
JRS Nigeria said it will use the African Palaver approach. This is a traditional way to hold community discussions, allowing residents to share their experiences and find local solutions to environmental issues.
They explained that the initiative will not take the place of government responsibilities. It aims to promote teamwork among communities, government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders for better environmental restoration and justice.
The project will also include awareness campaigns, community advocacy, and community-based environmental monitoring. This will help strengthen the local ability to deal with long-term effects of oil pollution.
The meeting introduced stakeholders to how the project will be carried out and what is expected. It also aimed to get their support for its success.
‘Communities Must Have a Voice’
At the event, the Country Director of JRS Nigeria, Temple Anuforo, who was represented by the Deputy Head of Programmes, Iniobong Ikpang, stressed that community involvement is key to building resilience in vulnerable areas.
“For communities like Okoro Utip, resilience begins with ensuring that people have a voice in decisions affecting their environment and their future,” Mr Anuforo said.
“Through this partnership with CARITAS Canada, we are creating opportunities for communities, government institutions, and civil society to talk, walk, and work together in promoting environmental justice, restoring livelihoods, and strengthening hope for both present and future generations.”
He added that the project aligns with JRS Nigeria’s mission to support vulnerable communities by putting them at the center of creating lasting solutions.
Community Welcomes Intervention
The youth leader of Okoro Utip, Nsoh Nsoh, welcomed the project. He said years of oil pollution and gas flaring have greatly harmed the community’s environment, livelihoods, and health.
“Our environment, livelihoods, and health have been severely affected by oil pollution and gas flaring,” he said.
“Pollution has become part of our lives to the extent that we are beginning to accept it as normal. With this project, we are hopeful that we will learn legitimate ways to resist it so that we can have a better life.”
NOSDRA Pledges Support
The Assistant Director of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) in the Uyo Zonal Office, Akaninyene Odungide, assured the agency's commitment to responding quickly to oil spills and holding polluters accountable.
Mr Odungide also advised residents to avoid crude oil theft and illegal bunkering. He encouraged them to report such activities to the right authorities.
He promised that NOSDRA is ready to work with JRS Nigeria and other partners for the project's success.
JRS Nigeria has been active in the country since 2018. They remain dedicated to helping displaced and vulnerable communities through education, livelihoods, peacebuilding, mental health support, advocacy, and community resilience programs. Together with CARITAS Canada and other partners, this new initiative aims to empower communities to fight for a healthier environment while promoting sustainable livelihoods and long-term resilience.
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