PORT HARCOURT — The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has issued a final 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening a total shutdown of all oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta if environmental remediation and cleanup of polluted territories are not initiated.
The declaration, made at a massive gathering of “Ijaw Nation” activists in Rivers State, marks a significant escalation in regional tensions. The youths have vowed to resume the struggle for resource control and environmental justice where former militant leader Asari Dokubo left off.
The “Ijaw Nation” Activation
During the assembly, Dokubo engaged the youth leadership in a pointed dialogue regarding their motives for leading the ethnic nationality. He challenged the youths to define their vision for the Ijaw Nation, warning that leadership without a clear ideological foundation would fail. “You must know why you want to lead Ijaw Nation,” Dokubo told the crowd, refusing to provide them with the answers and urging them to seek their own purpose in the struggle.
The youths responded by “activating” a new phase of the Ijaw struggle, citing decades of neglect and the devastating impact of recent oil spills on their fishing and farming communities.
Demands for Environmental Justice
The IYC’s 60-day ultimatum specifically targets the failure of the Federal Government and multinational oil companies to address the ecological “genocide” occurring in the Niger Delta. The council’s demands include:
- Immediate commencement of a comprehensive cleanup in all impacted Ijaw communities.
- Fair compensation for communities whose livelihoods have been destroyed by toxic spills.
- Greater inclusion of Ijaw youths in the management of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and other federal agencies.
Security and Economic Implications
The threat to shut down oil facilities comes at a fragile time for the Nigerian economy. With Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara locked in a political battle for Rivers State, and Defence Minister Christopher Musa managing multiple security fronts, a disruption in oil production could cripple the 2026 budget.
Security analysts warn that the “activation” of the Ijaw Nation movement could lead to a resurgence of militancy if the 60-day window passes without a credible federal response.
The Niger State attacks and massacres in Benue have already stretched the military’s capacity, making a stable Niger Delta a priority for the Presidency.
Government Stance
The Federal Government has not yet officially responded to the specific ultimatum. However, the Ministry of Environment has previously stated that cleanup efforts, including the Ogoni project, are ongoing but face logistical and community-based hurdles.
