NEITI commends S4C on advocacy in oil, gas host communities
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has lauded Spaces For Change (S4C) for its impactful advocacy, recognising the organisation’s role in strengthening local communities.
NEITI specifically highlighted S4C’s success in enabling citizens to effectively hold duty bearers accountable, thereby fostering a culture of improved governance.
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of NEITI, gave this commendation in a goodwill message delivered at the 13th Anniversary of S4C on Thursday in Lagos.
Orji, represented by Mrs Nkechi Isigwe, a member of the NEITI Board, spoke on how S4C’s collaboration with NEITI had enhanced the understanding of the challenges faced by host communities.
This, he said had help in boosting NEITI’s commitment to pushing for reforms that address their concerns.
“NEITI values your contributions to bridging the gap between policy reforms and community empowerment,” Orji said.
He added that sustainable development can only be achieved when the voices of host communities are heard and their interests are protected.
He commended S4C’s remarkable milestone, reflecting its resilience and commitment to social justice.
Orji also lauded S4C’s role in promoting research, policy advocacy and citizen engagement across Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a true trailblazer, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, whose visionary leadership and relentless advocacy have transformed the landscape of host community engagement,” he said.
Ibezim-Ohaeri, the Executive Director of S4C, in her response, raised concerns over the energy transition.
He highlighted the risks of companies greenwashing their identities without addressing the environmental damage caused by previous practices.
Ibezim-Ohaeri stressed that many companies divesting from fossil fuel investments were not adequately addressing the required environmental cleanup.
“We are concerned about national policy arrangements that overlook the needs of communities,” she added.
She emphasised the importance of discussing alternative livelihoods for affected communities.
“Founded initially as an online discussion group, S4C has grown into a leading advocacy organisation with offices in Nigeria, Ghana, and soon, Banjul.”
Ibezim-Ohaeri reflected on S4C’s evolution, noting that the organisation’s pivotal shift from online to offline advocacy began with their hosting of the first-ever online conference on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
According to her, this sparked significant interest among civil society, media and industry stakeholders.
“S4C’s work has expanded beyond advocacy, focusing on enhancing financial integrity, institutional resilience and regulatory compliance within the nonprofit sector.
“It has also benefited over 1,000 organisations across West Africa.
“Additionally, the organisation has deepened local knowledge on the ethical concerns surrounding new technologies used for crime control,” she added.
Mr James Savage, Programme Director for the Enabling Environment for Human Rights Defenders Program at the Fund for Global Human Rights, also commended S4C for its exceptional work in advancing human rights.
“Over the past nine years, we’ve witnessed S4C’s growth and effectiveness, particularly in leading legal reforms and defending victims of human rights abuses,” he said.
Savage highlighted S4C’s ability to reach communities at the grassroots level, underscoring the organisation’s profound impact.
He said that S4C’s anniversary celebration highlighted the group’s ongoing efforts to improve governance, advocate for environmental justice, and create meaningful change for communities affected by extractive industries.
