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Communities In Oil-rich Niger Delta Poorest In Nigeria – Report

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2022

A new report by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has shown that towns in the Niger Delta live in deplorable conditions.

The findings do not corroborate the enormous wealth derived from locations in the region where the Nigerian government generates majority of its revenue.

The 82-page report SERAP launched on Wednesday in Lagos is titled: ‘We Are All Vulnerable Here: How Lack of Transparency and Accountability is Fuelling Human Rights Violations in the Niger Delta’.

The report, presented by Dr. Olubunmi Afinowi of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), stressed that “communities in the Niger Delta remain the poorest in the country”.

The academic decried that the South-South “remains deeply in the grips of squalor, poverty, and environmental degradation”.

The report shows corruption contributing to poverty and consequential suffering of many people in the Niger Delta.

SERAP said the right of the people to a clean, safe and healthy environment is routinely violated and abused by the government and oil companies.

“Social, economic, and environmental degeneration has largely affected the lifestyles and wellbeing of the people. Also apparent is the continued disregard and abuse of the human rights of the people”, the group noted.

In his reaction, Femi Falana, SAN, declared that management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by interim administrators was illegal.

Falana advised the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to advise President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently reconstitute the NDDC board of directors.

The lawyer said since the appointment of interim administrators is unknown to the NDDC Act, the contracts awarded by them are null and void.

The rights activist called on the government to release the report of the forensic audit of the NDDC to enable communities to demand accountability from contractors who collected funds but abandoned projects.

The event was attended by Speaker of Cross River House of Assembly, John Etim; ICPC Chairman, represented by Dr Grace Chinda; NEITI Executive Secretary, represented by Kareem Lamidi; Dina Sabi, Second Secretary, Embassy of Netherlands.

Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), represented by Egbe Ekpe; AGF Malami represented by Barrister Raji Rasaki; NHRC Executive Secretary, represented by Saliu Musa; Niger Delta leaders, among others.

SERAP urged President Buhari to instruct the Ministries of Niger Delta, Humanitarian Affairs, and other agencies overseeing the NDDC to publish the 2021 forensic report on NDDC.

The organization urged the National Assembly to ensure that the relevant committees collaborate to initiate enquiries and fact-finding on how public funds have been spent by government parastatals.
DAILY POST

Related Topics:communities Niger Delta SERAP

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Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

8 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

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JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

8 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

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Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

9 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.