Femi Falana, a renowned human rights lawyer, has pledged to mobilize a dedicated legal team to seek environmental justice and compensation for the Niger Delta region. Speaking at the 30th Anniversary Memorial Lecture for environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa in Rivers State, Falana outlined his commitment to holding the Nigerian government accountable for the devastation in the oil-rich region.
The lecture, themed Ken Saro-Wiwa, The Man, His Legacies, Struggles and Challenges, saw Falana take a bold stance on environmental rights. He expressed his outrage over the prolonged neglect of the Niger Delta, pointing out the lack of essential services like reliable electricity despite the region’s wealth of oil reserves.
“We are gathered here today to resolve collectively how to move the struggle forward,” Falana declared. “The struggle does not stop here; we must take concrete steps. One of those steps is the formation of a team of lawyers who believe in environmental justice.”
The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) emphasized that this legal initiative would work tirelessly to reclaim the devastated lands, restore the dignity of local communities, and ensure that these regions receive the basic amenities they have long been deprived of. He further described this legal battle as a continuation of the environmental justice fight championed by Saro-Wiwa, whose activism remains a powerful symbol of the region’s enduring struggle for fairness.
“We are going to initiate a major legal fight to compel the Nigerian government to restore your land, reclaim your integrity, and provide your communities with the social amenities they deserve,” Falana said, rallying the audience to support the cause.
