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Activists Condemn Nigeria’s Natural Resources Exploitation, Finger Govt
Environmental activists have criticized multinational corporations for massively exploiting Nigeria’s natural resources under the guise of investment.
They also criticized Nigerian government for giving the multinational corporations to exploit Nigeria’s natural resources at the detriment of the communities.
The activists made their views known in Tuesday at a Forest Carbon Dialogue held in Benin, and attended by civil society organizations, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The event was organized by Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Network—a coalition of African civil society organisations, grassroots movements, activists, and individuals committed to environmental justice across the continent.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), criticised several Nigerian state governments for carelessly signing away forest reserves to foreign interests without due consideration for the long-term environmental and socio-cultural consequences.
READ ALSO: HOMEF Sympathizes With Niger Flood Victims, Charges Government To Be Proactive
He alleged that grown interest of multinational corporations in Africa’s forests is largely driven by the global carbon credit market.
“Carbon credits allow corporations to continue emitting greenhouse gases elsewhere while claiming to offset those emissions through conservation efforts in the Global South.
“Nigeria’s forests are under heavy assault. About 90% of our forests have already been degraded. Even our protected forest areas are not spared—they’re being targeted by illegal miners, loggers, and other exploitative actors,” Dr. Bassey lamented.
He emphasized that forest ecosystems are far more than just trees.
“Each tree supports its own micro-ecosystem. Cutting down a single tree disrupts an entire web of life. Unfortunately, many governments and corporations now view forests not as life-giving ecosystems but merely as carbon stockpiles to trade for profit.”
READ ALSO: Why We’re Heavily Investing In Book And Culture Series – HOMEF Director, Bassey
Dr. Bassey revealed that in Niger State alone, 750,000 hectares have been signed away for carbon trading, while a Brazilian company has acquired 1.2 million hectares for meat production—actions he said amount to massive deforestation and displacement of local communities.
He added that similar deals are being pursued in Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, where governments are promoting such arrangements as investments and signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with foreign firms.
“These are not investments; they are systematic handovers of our territories to corporations interested only in carbon. Carbon trading is a false solution. It does not address the root causes of the climate crisis,” he asserted.
Dr. Bassey advocated for forest governance led by indigenous communities, arguing that they are the true custodians of biodiversity and holders of valuable ecological knowledge.
He condemned the trend of converting forests into monoculture plantations, describing it as a colonial legacy that undermines biodiversity and depletes ecological resilience.
He called for heightened public consciousness and vigilance to resist the commodification of Nigeria’s forests by multinationals and complicit state actors.
In her presentation titled “Community Science as Real Solutions – Why We Must Say No to REDD”, Interim Administrator, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Rita Uwaka, echoed the call for grassroots mobilisation.
She urged communities to resist efforts to erode their traditional knowledge and cultural identities through schemes that convert forests into commercial plantations.
“Forests are more than trees. They are cultural landscapes. Community protection of forests is key to safeguarding biodiversity and climate resilience,” Uwaka noted.
In his contribution during question & answer session, Omobude Agho, Coordinator General, Edo Civil Society Organisation called all and sundry to rise against every activity work against nature.
The dialogue also featured a panel session that emphasized the need for indigenous integration in global climate solutions.
News
IPF Commends Tompolo’s Commitment To Security In Delta, Nigeria
Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his remarkable commitment to improving security in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
In a press statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF described Tompolo’s gesture towards Delta Security Trust Fund as a demonstration of his firm commitment to promoting peace, security, and progress in the atate, Niger Delta and Nigeria.
The group’s leadership lauded Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts, which according to them, portrayed his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the country.
READ ALSO:IPF Wants NDDC MD Ogbuku, Others Probed
Recall that Tompolo promised continued support for the Delta State Security Trust Fund after making a handsome donation at the event held at the government house yesterday.
“The unprecedented donation and firm commitment to peace and security in the country by High Chief Tompolo are shining examples of his leadership and dedication to the development of Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
“We commend him for his vision and generosity, and we urge others to follow his footsteps in supporting initiatives that promote peace and security in Delta State and Niger Delta region.
“High Chief Tompolo’s support will go a long way in enhancing security measures in Delta state and contributing meaningfully to the overall development of the country,” the statement reads.
News
University Suspends Students’ Union Over Controversial ‘Gender Swap Day’
The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following allegations of misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week celebration.
The decision came after photos and videos from the event’s controversial “Gender Swap Day” surfaced online, sparking outrage from members of the university community and the general public. The university said the activities violated its values, dress code, and moral standards.
In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the management described the incident as “regrettable and disappointing,” noting that some students’ actions were inconsistent with the institution’s core principles.
READ ALSO:Nigerian-born Rwandan Varsity DVC Named Among World’s Top 2% Scientists
An emergency management meeting held on Monday, October 13 reviewed the incidents and blamed poor supervision and coordination by the current SUG leadership for the disorder that occurred during the week-long celebration.
As part of the resolutions reached, the SUG has been suspended indefinitely to pave the way for a complete restructuring of student leadership and representation. The university also announced plans to introduce a new framework promoting accountability, discipline, and inclusiveness among student leaders.
“Students who were involved in actions that misrepresented the university’s image will face disciplinary action,” the statement read.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Under Fire Over Presidential Pardon For Drug Offenders
“Those whose behavior involved criminal acts have been arrested and will be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.”
In response, the SUG led by Victor Mishak Abednego, tendered an official apology to the university management, expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the event and promising stricter adherence to university rules in future activities.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated in any future student-organized events.
News
Fire Ravages Residential Building In Oyo
Properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed in a fire incident that ravaged a residential building in Oyo, Oyo State.
The incident occurred at Aladota, Oke-Olola Area in Oyo around 9 am on Wednesday.
The chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident.
READ ALSO:Edo Assembly Commission Questions Clerk Over Alleged Age Falsification
In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, Akinwande said that officers of the agency were immediately mobilised to the scene once they were informed.
“The fire incident was as a result of a spark from electricity which ignited combustible materials and set the room ablaze. No casualty was recorded. The agency was able to save properties worth millions of naira,” he said.
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