Senior presidential aide, Gift Johnbull calls for community engagement to tackle oil bunkering in the South-South region

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (South-South), Honorable Gift Johnbull, on Thursday, March 28, addressed the issue of oil bunkering and its impact on local communities in the South-South region.

During the Women in Oil and Gas stakeholders forum, Gift Johnbull highlighted the immense financial toll inflicted on Nigeria by illicit oil bunkering activities, revealing an annual loss exceeding 2 trillion naira.

She also highlighted the significant hardship experienced by communities reliant on fishing and farming, who are now compelled to abandon their livelihoods due to oil spillages resulting from these activities.

She stressed the importance of engaging locals in meaningful dialogue and addressing the adverse effects of oil bunkering on their health, environment, and economic well-being.

Gift Johnbull said, “For us to address the detrimental impact of oil bunkering on our communities, it is imperative that we recognize the loss annually incurred by Nigeria.

“Beyond the financial toll, this illicit activity inflicts untold hardship, particularly on local communities reliant on fishing and farming. As we confront these challenges, empowering and involving these communities is paramount.

“Through meaningful dialogue and acknowledgment of the adverse effects on health, environment, and economic well-being, we can develop targeted and sustainable solutions.

“But, empowering local communities to participate in decision-making processes and grassroots initiatives is key to addressing the root causes of oil bunkering. Together, let’s build a safer, healthier, and more equitable environment for generations to come.”