Bayelsa governorship aspirant for All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr Domor Mienye, has called for what he describes as “industrial justice” for the Niger Delta, saying the region’s next phase of development must focus on building industries, creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities after seventy years of commercial oil production.

 

Mienye’s remarks followed recent reflections by former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri on seventy years of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, a discussion that has renewed attention on the region’s development and future.

 

According to him, the Niger Delta’s struggle has rightly centred on environmental justice and fair resource allocation, but the time has come to add a third objective—industrial justice.

 

“Environmental justice addresses what oil has taken from us. Fiscal justice ensures we receive our fair share. Industrial justice is about what oil should build for us. After seventy years, the Niger Delta deserves industries, not just oil wells; sustainable jobs, not just monthly allocations.”

 

Mienye said the region should continue demanding environmental remediation, fairness and accountability from the Federal Government and oil companies, but insisted that Niger Delta states must also take greater responsibility for transforming the revenues already received into lasting economic opportunities.

 

“Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states have received substantial revenues through FAAC and the 13 per cent derivation over the years. Those resources should have laid the foundation for industrial estates, gas processing, petrochemicals, agro-processing, technology hubs and thousands of sustainable jobs. While we continue to demand what is rightfully ours, we must also ask ourselves whether we have done enough with what we have already received.”

 

He identified the Brass Industrial Corridor, Agge Deep Seaport, gas-based industries, the blue economy, commercial agriculture and technology-driven enterprises as strategic projects capable of transforming Bayelsa into an industrial hub if pursued through disciplined leadership, long-term planning and stronger partnerships with the private sector.

 

Mienye maintained that the next chapter of the Niger Delta should not be defined only by crude oil production or environmental challenges, but by the industries built, investments attracted and opportunities created for future generations.