NEITI praises S4C’s advocacy for oil and gas host communities
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has commended Spaces For Change (S4C) for its significant advocacy efforts in empowering local communities affected by oil and gas operations.
NEITI acknowledged S4C’s role in strengthening the capacity of citizens to hold public officials accountable, contributing to better governance and improved community engagement.
Speaking at the 13th Anniversary of S4C in Lagos on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, conveyed this recognition in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Mrs Nkechi Isigwe, a member of the NEITI Board.
Dr Orji highlighted the positive impact of S4C’s collaboration with NEITI, stating that it had deepened insights into the difficulties faced by host communities and reinforced NEITI’s determination to push for policies that address their needs.
“NEITI appreciates your unwavering dedication to narrowing the gap between policy reforms and the empowerment of local communities,” he remarked.
He further noted that sustainable development can only be truly achieved when the concerns of host communities are acknowledged and addressed.
The NEITI Executive Secretary praised S4C for its active involvement in policy advocacy, research, and grassroots engagement, particularly in the Niger Delta, where extractive industries have long affected local populations.
During the event, Dr Orji also paid tribute to S4C’s Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, for her commitment to advancing the rights and voices of host communities.
“As we gather today, we honour a pioneering force, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, whose leadership and tireless advocacy have reshaped the conversation on host community rights,” he said.
In response, Ibezim-Ohaeri raised concerns regarding the energy transition, warning of the dangers posed by companies attempting to enhance their public image through superficial environmental claims while neglecting their obligations to remediate impacted areas.
She stressed the necessity of ensuring national policies address the pressing needs of communities affected by energy sector changes.
“There is an urgent need to discuss viable alternative livelihoods for those impacted by the transition,” she stated.
Reflecting on S4C’s journey, she recalled how the organisation evolved from an online discussion forum into a dynamic advocacy group with offices in Nigeria, Ghana, and soon, Banjul.
She further explained that S4C’s work now extends beyond advocacy, encompassing initiatives aimed at strengthening financial accountability, institutional resilience, and compliance with regulatory frameworks in the nonprofit sector.
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of increasing public understanding of ethical issues related to emerging crime-control technologies.
Mr James Savage, Programme Director for the Enabling Environment for Human Rights Defenders Programme at the Fund for Global Human Rights, also praised S4C’s commitment to social justice.
“For the past nine years, S4C has demonstrated its capacity to drive legal reforms and protect the rights of individuals affected by human rights violations,” he stated.
Savage underscored S4C’s effectiveness in reaching grassroots communities, emphasising the organisation’s role in advocating for policy changes, environmental protection, and sustainable development in resource-rich regions.
