The Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group (NDEBUMOG) don call for the inclusion of women in Nigeria‘s extractive sector. Dem say dis inclusion necessary for gender justice and to make sure women participate more in the management of natural resources.
During a roundtable meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the group demand the implementation of the 30 per cent women’s economic inclusion campaign outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). NDEBUMOG also talk about the need for transparency in how the PIA is implemented and for training and resources to be given to host community representatives, especially women, so dem can understand the PIA’s fiscal regime better.
The training dem dey advocate for should cover financial literacy, legal rights, and responsibilities of community trustees. The group also seek strategic partnerships and networking collaborations with non-governmental organisations, women’s groups, and media outlets to amplify their efforts.
NDEBUMOG emphasize the importance of media in providing women with the tools and platforms needed to advocate for transparency and accountability. Dem say strong accountability mechanisms must be put in place to monitor the use of funds and ensure they are directed towards projects that benefit the entire community, with special attention to initiatives that support women’s empowerment, such as economic incentives, healthcare, and education.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Odidem Edet, who chair the roundtable, lament the diminishing role of traditional rulers in governance. He urge the government to grant traditional rulers constitutional roles in administering the three per cent Host Communities Fund under the PIA, so dem can drive gender justice and inclusion effectively.
The Chief Executive Officer of NDEBUMOG, George-Hill Anthony, commend the traditional rulers and stakeholders for their participation. Anthony say the meeting highlight the importance of an evolving global movement for women’s participation in natural resources governance and transparency under the PIA’s Host Communities Trust Funds.
