The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide has declared its firm stance against the persistent gas flaring and lackadaisical practices of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Theophilus Alaye, the newly elected President of the IYC, made this announcement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during his inauguration ceremony, taking over from Deacon Peter Igbifa. The issue of gas flaring has long been a significant concern for the people of the region, with environmental, economic, health, and social implications.
As the 9th president of the Ijaw nation, he emphasized the need to put an end to gas flaring, which has caused immense losses to the region. Alaye also highlighted the neglect of the region’s rich water bodies, calling for the activation of the Ijaw nation’s seaport to harness its competitive advantage and alleviate the sufferings of the people.
Furthermore, the House of Representatives is also stepping up efforts to recover over $9 billion in gas flaring fines imposed by the Federal Government on erring local and foreign oil and gas companies.