Building Momentum for Justice in the Niger Delta

Social Action Strengthens Alliances Ahead of People’s Tribunal in Bayelsa

In a significant move to deepen the push for justice and environmental accountability in the Niger Delta, Social Action representatives Peter Mazzi and Isaac Desmond paid a strategic visit to the office of renowned environmentalist Comrade Alagoa Morris in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The meeting forms part of a broader effort to consolidate community partnerships and ensure the smooth organisation of the forthcoming People’s Tribunal on Human Rights Violations and Environmental Injustice, scheduled to take place in Ikarama Town, Okodia Community, on 21st November 2025.

The engagement focused on aligning perspectives, strengthening advocacy strategies, and reviewing ongoing preparations for the Tribunal, which is expected to serve as a platform for communities to present long-standing grievances. These include environmental pollution, human rights abuses, loss of livelihood, unresolved oil spill incidents, and the expanding impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Comrade Alagoa Morris, widely respected for his decades-long work on environmental rights, resource justice, and community documentation, shared valuable insights drawn from years of field experience. His extensive archives contain evidence of pollution linked to International Oil Companies (IOCs), as well as testimonies from affected communities who have suffered health hazards, land degradation, economic hardship, and cultural losses due to oil extraction and poor environmental practices.

Speaking during the visit, Alagoa reaffirmed his commitment to the cause, describing the Tribunal as “a crucial opportunity for communities to speak truth to power and demand long-overdue justice.” He commended Social Action for its consistent role in amplifying grassroots voices and pledged to support the process in every possible way to ensure the programme succeeds.

Peter Mazzi, representing Social Action, emphasised the importance of collective action and the need to elevate community voices. “The People’s Tribunal is not just an event — it is a movement for truth, justice, and accountability,” he said. “For too long, the voices of impacted communities have been ignored. We are here to ensure that their stories are heard, documented, and acted upon. This collaboration with Comrade Alagoa and other advocates strengthens our resolve to push for real change in the Niger Delta.”

For Social Action, the meeting underscores the importance of building a united front involving activists, community leaders, researchers, and advocates dedicated to securing environmental accountability in the Niger Delta. As the Tribunal date approaches, momentum continues to build among civil society organisations and community stakeholders who view the initiative as a significant step towards truth-telling, justice, and systemic reform.

The People’s Tribunal is anticipated to draw widespread attention as it brings to the fore evidence and testimonies that reflect the realities of oil-bearing communities. Organisers hope the outcomes will influence public discourse, policy reforms, and future accountability mechanisms across Nigeria’s extractive sector.

#SocialAction #PeoplesTribunal #EnvironmentalJustice #NigerDelta #CommunityVoices #Accountability