In order to create a unified platform for civil society organizations (CSOs), activists, academics, and rights groups to address the complex environmental challenges facing the West African sub region, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) will inaugurate the Natural Resources Governance Group (NRGG) by 9am on Thursday May 30, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The inauguration will be preceded by the validation of a Research Report titled “West Africa Regional Policies on Natural Resource Governance: Lessons and Policy Recommendations for Nigeria,” on May 29, 2024 by 9am.
Executive Director, Centre LSD, Mr. Monday Ogasah who confirmed the development to our correspondent in Abuja at the weekend, explained that “the inauguration of the Natural Resources Governance Group is driven by the recognition that environmental issues such as flooding, drought, deforestation, and resource conflicts are not confined to geographic borders,” adding that the annual release of water from dams in Cameroon results in devastating floods in Nigeria.
While he recalled that recent floods destroyed homes, livelihoods, and lives in Kogi and Benue States, he noted that the persistent drought in Chad intensifies the farmer-herder conflicts in northern Nigeria, a situation he said further strains resources and social cohesion.
He said these examples underscore the urgent need for a coordinated regional response to environmental governance.
Discussing the Research Report to be validated by relevant stakeholders, the Executive Director said: “The research is part of Centre LSD’s project on strengthening an intersectional approach to natural resource governance in Nigeria, supported by the Ford Foundation BUILD grant.”
He further explained that Centre LSD’s goal under the grant is to be a prime mover for regional policy campaigns and national organizer for improved natural resource governance and reduction of gender-based violence in the extractive sector.
The Executive Director stated: “The research project and the dialogues that will be generated from it are strategies we intend to use in achieving set goals.”
“The research, led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Peter Akper, involved a comprehensive analysis of West African regional policies and laws concerning natural resource governance to identify potential lessons and best practices for Nigeria.”
The findings will inform the development of policy briefs and recommendations for strengthening an intersectional approach to natural resource governance in Nigeria, he said.
For confirmation or additional information, please contact Vincent via WhatsApp at 0803 421 0082 or email at vincent.dania@centrelsd.org.
