We recently had two days of dialogue and sharing on Just Energy Transition through the use of cultural tools at Owewve community, Ughelli North Area, Delta State, Nigeria. At the end of the engagement, the community people issued a declaration demanding inclusive participation in Nigeria’s energy transition process.
Owewve is an oil-rich community in the Niger Delta, consisting of seven clans which host OML 26 and the Erhiemu oil field has suffered for decades from environmental degradation, health impacts, and economic marginalisation due to mindless extractive activities. The seven clans of Owewve, namely Agbaide, Pherini, Ughere, Saniko, Gana, Otokutu, and Owewve Town, expressed deep concerns for being left behind in the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
The major sources of livelihood for the people are farming, fishing, and menial jobs at the oil production facilities. The communities have repeatedly demanded improved infrastructural development in their communities. Community members also stated that the divestment from OML 26 is occurring without the community’s knowledge or consent.
Chief Philip Akpovukoko (JP), President-General of Owewve community, highlighted the severe impacts of extractive activities on the community, including polluted lands and water bodies, health challenges from gas flaring, and economic marginalisation.
“Our people are suffering from bronchitis, skin diseases, asthma, other respiratory difficulties, and other illnesses caused by gas flaring and oil pollution. Despite this, no one is engaging us regarding any energy transition. I urge my people to make the most of the opportunity to learn, so we could utilise this knowledge to help advance the various clans represented in the meeting.”
HOMEF Project Manager, Cadmus Atake-Enade, who facilitated the learning sessions on cultural tools for resistance, emphasised that the transition cannot be complete if justice is not served. He stressed the importance of community solidarity, integration, and collective responsibility in advocating for environmental justice.
Umo Isua-Ikoh while “Dissecting the Just Energy Transition and the Community Roles in the Process,” urged communities to be fully engaged in discussions on the Just Energy Transition process. “It is not in the place of multinational corporations and government agencies to tell communities what they want, but instead through needs assessment through community consultation, dialogue, and mutual agreements to determine what model the transition should follow so that everyone is included, and there are collective transitioning and responsibility. The transition cannot be complete if justice is not a part of it.”
The community demanded that the government conduct massive sensitisation campaigns on the Just Energy Transition for communities, including direct engagements between governments, oil companies, and communities in transition planning. They call for the integration of all community sectors into Just Energy Transition plans.
The communities demanded for infrastructure and manpower development to facilitate an integrated transition. This would include training the youths and community members in production, sales, distribution, and maintenance of renewable equipment, and the conversion of flared gas to electricity as an interim measure.
