Chidinma Iroegbu
The National Civil Society Coalition for Oil, Gas and Mining Host Communities has called for stronger institutions and fairer management of Nigeria’s natural resources to prevent grievances in resource-producing communities from escalating into conflicts.
The coalition made the call in Abuja on Monday to mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, observed under the theme, “Invest in Peace For Everyone, Everywhere, Every day.”
It said lasting peace in Nigeria would depend not only on security measures but also on justice, accountability and equitable distribution of benefits from the oil, gas and mining sectors.
The coalition urged the government to ensure full implementation and transparent administration of the Host Communities Development Trust and other regulatory mechanisms designed to improve benefits for communities affected by extraction.
It said host communities continue to face environmental damage, loss of livelihoods and displacement while having limited influence over decisions concerning the natural resources in their areas.
The group also called for greater protection of environmental defenders, community advocates and civil society organisations monitoring extractive activities and demanding accountability.
According to the coalition, civic actors should be able to raise concerns over oil, gas and mining operations without facing harassment, criminalisation or violence.
It further urged government and extractive-sector operators to create inclusive resource-management dialogues that give women and young people in host communities a meaningful role in decisions affecting their communities.
The coalition said traditional institutions, government, companies, civil society organisations and communities must work together to build trust and address grievances before they develop into violence, stressing that “peace must be built before conflict erupts.”
The National Coordinator of the coalition, Lawrence Dube, said the group remained committed to peaceful civic engagement, dialogue and evidence-based advocacy, urging the Federal Government and extractive companies to ensure natural resources become a basis for shared prosperity rather than division.