The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre Nigeria (YEAC-Nigeria), led by Executive Director Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, has raised urgent concerns over the increasing frequency of mass deaths linked to illegal oil refining, mining, and fuel activities across the country. The organization’s latest statement, issued in Port Harcourt, highlights a pattern of fatalities that it argues reflects systemic failures in resource governance and public safety, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Fyneface cited specific incidents, including the 2021 Rumuekpe refinery explosion in Rivers State, which killed dozens, and the 2022 Ohaji/Egbema-ONELGA axis refining activities that claimed over 100 lives. He also referenced the October 2, 2023, Ibaa community tragedy, where at least 35 people, including pregnant women, died. In September 2026 alone, 74 citizens reportedly perished in Rivers State due to alleged illegal petroleum tapping, while another 37 died in Niger State after being detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for alleged mining activities.
The executive director criticized the government and private sector for neglecting these crises, stating that solutions to prevent such deaths have been proposed but ignored. He noted that while protests erupted following the Niger State deaths, there was a “bottom-top silence” over the Rivers State fatalities, which were allegedly downplayed or concealed. Fyneface accused certain groups of “losing sanity” by suppressing reports of the incidents and threatening those who sought to expose them.
YEAC-Nigeria has faced organized threats for its reporting, including a 2022 incident in Gokana LGA, where the organization was pressured to stop advocating for the B-Dere community. This led to the kidnapping of Fyneface and the sabotage of a solar mini-grid project aimed at providing electricity to underserved areas. The organization warned that continued suppression of its work could force it to withdraw from a $1.25 billion loan guarantee from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), citing restricted access to its operational sites.
Fyneface recalled his 2020 proposal for the Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI), modeled after the government’s Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI). He stated that the PACORDI initiative, which received a $3,500 grant from the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), was presented to the federal government but remained unimplemented. He questioned why the government had not acted on these proposals, especially as global energy transitions accelerate and crude oil becomes less viable.
The organization argued that Nigeria’s democracy is “running in reverse,” with citizens’ lives undervalued compared to political elites. Fyneface emphasized that every death, regardless of the victim’s socioeconomic status, should be treated with the same urgency as the loss of a high-ranking official. He called for the government to prioritize people-centric policies over profit-driven resource extraction, citing the need to transition illegal refiners to legal, environmentally sustainable operations.
YEAC-Nigeria also criticized oil companies for failing to secure pipelines against third-party interference, a responsibility it claims has been legally established in UK courts. The organization cited precedents where Nigerian oil firms were held liable for negligence in protecting hazardous materials, such as Crack C5, and for failing to prevent illegal tapping and storage in residential areas. It urged the government to adopt civilian-led security models that have proven more effective than conventional forces.
The statement highlighted the role of modular refineries and community-based initiatives like PACORDI in addressing the root causes of oil and mining-related violence. Fyneface argued that these solutions, which prioritize livelihood alternatives over punitive measures, could reduce reliance on organized crime and strengthen democratic values. He criticized the current administration for its inaction, noting that many government workers “do nothing serious” while citizens continue to die.
The organization called for urgent policy reforms to address the crisis, including the implementation of PAGMI and PACORDI, as well as stricter enforcement of environmental and safety regulations. Fyneface warned that the government’s failure to act risks perpetuating a cycle of violence and eroding public trust in democratic institutions. He emphasized that Nigeria’s natural resources belong to all citizens and that collective action is needed to ensure equitable governance.
YEAC-Nigeria’s statement concluded with a call for transparency and accountability, urging the government to prioritize human lives over political expediency. It reiterated its commitment to advocating for environmental justice, despite the risks posed by organized threats. The organization stressed that the time to act is now, as delays could lead to further loss of life and deepen the crisis in the Niger Delta and other affected regions.
The article also references broader discussions on Nigeria’s energy transition, including the role of gas and solar power in reducing reliance on crude oil. Fyneface argued that the government’s reluctance to implement sustainable alternatives reflects a broader failure to align policies with the needs of the population. He warned that continued inaction would exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine the country’s democratic foundations.
In a separate section, the text touches on the importance of gender inclusion in national development, citing a statement by Bamidele that emphasizes the need for equitable participation in shaping Nigeria’s future. This theme underscores the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social justice issues in the country’s ongoing challenges.
The piece concludes with a reflection on the urgency of addressing systemic failures, drawing parallels between the current crisis and historical patterns of neglect. It calls for a reimagining of Nigeria’s resource governance model, one that prioritizes the well-being of citizens over short-term economic gains. The message is clear: without immediate and sustained action, the cycle of violence and death will persist, threatening the very fabric of the nation.
The article highlights the critical role of civil society in holding the government accountable, even in the face of intimidation and suppression. YEAC-Nigeria’s efforts to expose the truth and advocate for change serve as a reminder of the importance of independent journalism and grassroots activism in a democracy. The organization’s resilience in the face of adversity sets a precedent for others to follow.
The call for policy reform is not just a matter of public safety but also a test of the government’s commitment to democratic principles. Fyneface’s statement underscores the need for inclusive governance, where the voices of marginalized communities are heard and acted upon. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.
The article’s final message is one of urgency and hope. It urges all stakeholders—government, civil society, and the public—to collaborate in addressing the crisis. By prioritizing people over profit and transparency over secrecy, Nigeria can begin to heal and build a more just and sustainable future. The path forward is clear, but the will to act remains the greatest challenge.
The piece concludes with a call to action, emphasizing that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the government’s ability to respond to the needs of its citizens. Fyneface’s words serve as a reminder that the cost of inaction is measured in lives lost and opportunities squandered. The time to act is now, before the next tragedy strikes.
The article also touches on the broader implications of resource governance failures, including the erosion of public trust and the deepening of regional disparities. It highlights the need for a holistic approach that addresses both the immediate causes of violence and the structural inequalities that perpetuate it. Without such an approach, the cycle of death and neglect will continue, undermining the country’s progress and stability.