Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on the government at all levels and all relevant stakeholders to take immediate action against the persistent issue of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

Coordinator of Nigeria Coal Network (NCN), Friday Nbani, who made this called recently during NCN’s annual conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, urged the government to implement renewable energy policy framework fully.

He emphasized the urgent need for a transition to clean and green energy sources to mitigate environmental and health impacts and promote sustainable development in the region.

“We are uniting together to strengthen collaboration, efforts that is good for a better environment where we can end gas flaring, Coal mining. Is not as if we hate development, we are looking at the implications of the two perspective, gas flaring and coal mining which is inimical to health, environment.

“We are trying to see what alternative we can provide on the table for the Nigerian government to adopt for transition into renewable energy. Green energy is friendly to human health, the environment and everyone one.

“Nigerian government needs to invest into renewable energy, it’s working and friendly. Several times we have been hearing Nigerian government is going to end gas flaring but it remains on paper.

“We want it to be a real commitment, let the full force be there to end gas flaring. The common man does not have what it takes to stop it. Government should also stop issuing coal mining license.”

Co-Facilitator of Don’t Gas Africa, Bhekumuzi Bhebhe harped on the need for a speedy transition from fossil to renewable energy that does not impair the environment.

“We are using this campaign to try and find a better future where there is energy that is people centered, for the people, and by the people.

“There have been a few improvement last year 2023, African countries are committing to renewable energy especially countries like Kenya, Namibia Rwanda, Ethiopia.

“Nigerian’s need to come up with people’s declaration, a declaration that will commence on the energy transition plan, push back on gas investment that have been launched.

“Africa has a fundamental and essential resources, minerals so much aluminum, copper, manganese etc. essential ingredients for us to become a renewable energy giant within the emerging energy system.

The big problem we have is that we do not have right financing we need in order to fight for renewed energy project.

“I believe we will find our power to actually fund the transition that Africa truly deserves.” He concluded.

On his part, the Gbenemene of Bangha Kingdom in Khana LGA of Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Suanu Baridam, who was represented by the Paramount Ruler of Dee-Eewa Community, Chief Magnus Edohi, also calling on government for urgent intervention to stop gas flaring.

He further advocated for a proper clean up to be carried out in adversely impacted environments, stressing that oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta region has affected all aspects of of their lives negatively and also caused increased crime rate in the community.