By Oluwakemi Kindness
The National Civil Society Coalition for Oil, Gas and Mining Host Communities says sustainable peace in Nigeria depends partly on how the country manages and shares its natural resources.
The coalition said host communities often bear the environmental and social costs of oil, gas and mining activities while having limited access to the economic benefits and decisions arising from resource extraction in their areas.
It says communities face displacement, loss of livelihoods and limited participation in decisions affecting natural resources within their territories.
The coalition stated this in a statement on Monday, to mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, themed “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every day.”
It calls for the full implementation and transparent management of the Host Communities Development Trust, HCDT, to ensure that communities benefit directly from wealth generated from resources extracted from their areas.
The coalition also called for stronger protection for community advocates, environmental defenders and civil society organisations monitoring extractive activities and demanding accountability.
It says these stakeholders should be able to carry out their work without harassment, criminalisation or violence.
The group further urged the government to promote inclusive dialogue involving government agencies, extractive companies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and host communities.
It states that women and young people should be included in negotiations over natural resources, arguing that broader participation could help prevent grievances from escalating into conflict.
The coalition said peace could not be secured through enforcement alone, stressing the need for trust, justice, dialogue and shared ownership of natural resources.
It urges the Federal Government to strengthen institutions capable of addressing grievances before they escalate into conflicts and establish credible channels through which host communities can raise concerns.
Edited by Julian Osamoto
