The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has issued a 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to commence full-scale remediation and clean-up of oil-polluted Ijaw communities or risk a shutdown of oil and gas operations across Ijaw territories.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué signed by the President of the Council, Dr Alaye Theophilus, at the end of its National Convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, 1st February, 2026.
The IYC warned that failure to take “visible and concrete action” within the stipulated period would compel the council to mobilise Ijaw communities for a coordinated shutdown of all oil and gas facilities operating in their areas.
“The Convention unequivocally condemns the continued ecological violence, oil pollution and environmental degradation inflicted on Ijaw territories through decades of reckless oil and gas exploitation,” the communiqué stated.
“The Ijaw Youth Council hereby issues a final and non-negotiable 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria and all relevant agencies to immediately commence full-scale remediation and clean-up of all polluted Ijaw territories.”
The council said the Ijaw people would no longer tolerate the destruction of their land, waters, livelihoods and future, stressing that oil extraction cannot continue at the expense of human lives and environmental sustainability.
“Upon the expiration of this ultimatum, and in the absence of visible and concrete action, the Ijaw Youth Council shall collectively and decisively shut down all oil and gas facilities operating within Ijaw territories, drawing precedence from the Ogoniland ‘no remediation, no oil exploration’ approach,” the group warned.
To this end, the IYC announced the constitution of a mobilisation and sensitisation committee tasked with visiting Ijaw clans, communities and territories to educate residents and prepare them for coordinated action should the Federal Government fail to act.
While acknowledging ongoing remediation efforts in Ogoniland, the council clarified that it harbours no resentment towards other ethnic groups benefiting from federal allocations, but insisted that environmental justice must be equitable and inclusive.
The IYC also called for the immediate removal of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof Nenibarin Zabbey, alleging a lack of understanding of the project’s mandate.
In addition, the council demanded the removal of the Minister of Environment, who supervises HYPREP activities, citing dissatisfaction with the pace and scope of remediation efforts.
On politics, the IYC endorsed Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for a second term and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
According to the council, the endorsement followed a unanimous vote of confidence in both leaders during the convention. The group described Governor Fubara as a “living hero of democracy,” commending his leadership style, commitment to peace and maturity in handling political challenges in Rivers State.
The council also said President Tinubu had earned the trust and support of Ijaw youths through his role in managing the political crisis in Rivers State and fostering peace in the Niger Delta.
“Mr President has demonstrated genuine commitment to peace in Rivers State, enabling Governor Siminalayi Fubara to govern in a stable environment.
“Based on these actions, the Ijaw Youths hereby declare our unalloyed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.”