INC stresses need for support to coastal resilience, policy

 Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide has highlighted the importance of promoting coastal resilience. They emphasize the need for effective policy and good governance in managing coastal resources in Nigeria.

Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Global President of INC, made this statement at the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit. The event was held at Nice, France, on Saturday.

In a statement made available on Sunday, Okaba said there is a need for a proactive approach. He made this assertion during his presentation. The presentation was titled “Coastal Resilience Policy and Governance: Implications for Economic and Environmental Sustainability in Ijaw Land.” It is essential to manage coastal resources effectively.

He also stressed the need for protecting infrastructure and promoting sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities across Nigeria.

Okaba called on all stakeholders to join the INC. He urged for collective efforts towards a more resilient and sustainable future for Ijaw land.

According to him, coastal resilience, policy and governance are critical to the survival and prosperity of communities.

“We need to take a proactive approach to managing our coastal resources. We must protect our infrastructure. Additionally, promoting sustainable livelihoods is essential,” he said.

The INC global president said the Ijaw, as an indigenous nation living in the Niger Delta, face devastating impacts. These include climate change, environmental degradation, and oil pollution.

“Our people have borne the brunt of extractive exploitation. Our lands, waters, and ecosystems have been scarred by decades of neglect and abuse. This began in 1956 or 1958. During this time, oil and gas were first discovered in commercial quantities in Oloibiri. Oloibiri is in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the present Bayelsa.”

He noted that the Ijaws occupy over 60 per cent of the entire Nigerian coastline. These include the literal indigenous Ijaw communities in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Ondo, and Lagos states.

He added that the ocean defines the ljaw identity. Its diverse marine and aquatic resources shape livelihood systems and heritage.

“Our communities are on the front lines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, storm surges, and environmental degradation.

“The impacts are far-reaching, from damage to infrastructure and livelihoods to threats to our very way of life. We have seen our mangrove forests, a vital component of our ecosystem, being destroyed, and our fisheries being depleted.

“Our people are struggling to cope with the loss of their livelihoods and the degradation of their environment. The Impact on our economy, climate change and environmental degradation on our economy is significant,” he said.

Okaba urged policymakers and stakeholders at national and international levels to prioritise coastal resilience. They should focus on policy and governance that supports the needs of Ijaw communities. This can be achieved through the instrumentality of integrated coastal management.

He called for adapting to climate change. He suggested supporting initiatives that would help coastal communities deal with its impacts.

According to him, there’s a need to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, promote ecosystem-based adaptation, and support climate-resilient livelihoods.

Okaba also stressed the need for community engagement as well as leveraging on Indigenous knowledge and technology.

He added that coastal resilience must be built on justice and equity. It must also recognize the rights of the Ijaws as indigenous people.

He appealed for direct access to climate finance for sub-national entities and local communities. He called for a UN convention for the conservation of River Deltas. This convention should recognize the specific needs and challenges of deltaic regions.

He also appealed for technological partnerships to support mangrove restoration in coastal areas. He emphasized the need for early warning systems. Additionally, he called for integrated coastal zone management, among others.

The INC global president reiterated the commitment of the INC to building resilience. The organization is dedicated to providing sustainable development. It is also committed to protecting the rights of the people.

This position aligns with our persistent resolve on self-determination. We are committed to controlling our God given water and land resources.

“We are committed to promoting the interests of our people and protecting our environment. We will continue to advocate for policies and practices that support our communities and ensure a sustainable future.

“We will work with policymakers, stakeholders, and our communities. We aim to develop and implement effective coastal management plans. We will support climate change adaptation initiatives and promote sustainable livelihoods,” Okaba added.