The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has given the Federal Government and regulatory agencies a 60-day ultimatum to begin immediate and comprehensive remediation of oil-polluted Ijaw communities.
The group warned that failure to act will result in the shutdown of oil and gas operations across Ijaw territories.
The decision was contained in a communiqué released after the IYC National Convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and signed by its President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus.
“The convention unequivocally condemns the persistent ecological damage, oil pollution, and environmental degradation in Ijaw territories. The Federal Government is hereby given a final and non-negotiable 60 days to commence visible, comprehensive clean-up and remediation efforts,” the communiqué stated.
The IYC accused decades of oil exploration and production of causing severe environmental devastation, threatening livelihoods, public health, and ecological sustainability across Ijaw land.
The council said its ultimatum is modelled after the Ogoniland remediation framework, stressing that continued resource extraction without environmental responsibility is “unacceptable and unjust.”
It announced the establishment of a mobilisation and sensitisation committee to engage Ijaw communities and stakeholders, ensuring collective awareness and preparedness if the government fails to respond within the timeframe.
The IYC emphasised that its demand is not directed at any ethnic group in the Niger Delta or elsewhere, but is a call for environmental justice, equity, and sustainable development for oil-producing communities.
Call for Leadership Review
While acknowledging ongoing clean-up efforts in Ogoniland, the council urged the Federal Government to urgently review the leadership of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
It specifically called for the removal of Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarin Zabbey and the Minister of Environment, citing concerns over the effectiveness, transparency, and pace of implementation.
In a separate resolution, the convention passed a vote of confidence in Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, endorsing him for a second term.
The council also declared support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, citing his role in stabilising the political climate in Rivers State.
“The President has demonstrated genuine commitment to peace and stability in Rivers State, creating an enabling environment for democratic governance,” the communiqué added.
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