Izon Group Seeks Rejection Of Chemical Wastes In Niger Delta

The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on communities in the Niger Delta region to stand firm and reject the dumping of chemical wastes on their rivers and environment.

MOSIEND president, Dr Kennedy West, who made the call yesterday in Port Harcourt, at a one-day media relations training for the organisation’s zonal and clan executives, described the discharge of such chemical wastes as unacceptable.

“We also call on our communities to stand firm and reject the discharge of chemical waste into our rivers and environment. Such practices are unacceptable and must not be tolerated. The Ministry of Environment must rise to its responsibility and ensure the protection of our ecosystem and the health of our people,” West said.

He stated that five years after the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), host communities in the Niger Delta region are yet to benefit from the Act.

The MOSIEND president said: “Five years after the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, host communities are yet to see meaningful dividends.

“This raises serious concerns. One must ask why penalties and compensation relating to gas flaring remain shrouded in secrecy, if not as another mechanism to marginalise the people of the Niger Delta.

Transparency and accountability are not optional; they are fundamental rights.”

West also called on multinational oil companies operating in the region to demonstrate genuine commitment to the development of the region by relocating their meaningful operational headquarters to the region.

“Furthermore, multinational oil companies operating in our region must demonstrate genuine commitment to development by relocating meaningful operational headquarters to the Niger Delta.

“This will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and restore confidence in the region as their true base of operation,” the MOSIEND president said.

Describing the media relations training as essential, West stated that leaders of the organisation must be equipped to engage the media and stakeholders effectively.

He said: “This programme reflects our commitment to the 3R Mantra — Reorientation, Repositioning, and Recovery of lost values as we redefine and rebuild our communities. For years, our people endured neglect, environmental destruction, and economic exclusion despite the immense wealth taken from our land.

“While agitation drew attention to these injustices, we must now strengthen our advocacy through strategy, communication, and constructive engagement that delivers real results and sustainable peace.

“This training is therefore essential. Our leaders must be equipped to engage the media and stakeholders effectively to articulate our demands clearly, responsibly, and with authority.”