Protecting Resources. Advancing Communities. Promoting Responsible Development.
Natural resources are central to Nigeria’s economic development and to the livelihoods, identity and future of communities in resource-producing and resource-impacted areas.
OMPALAN recognizes that the responsible development of natural resources must be accompanied by environmental stewardship, community participation, social responsibility, transparency and equitable development.
Producing Communities
Resource-producing communities are at the heart of Nigeria’s natural-resource economy. Their lands, waters and environments contribute to national development and generate economic value.
OMPALAN advocates for meaningful recognition of the interests and legitimate concerns of these communities and for their participation in decisions that affect their territories, livelihoods and future.
Impacted Communities
Communities affected by natural-resource exploration, extraction, transportation and related industrial activities may experience environmental, social and economic consequences.
OMPALAN promotes responsible approaches to addressing such impacts, including environmental protection, community engagement, restoration, sustainable livelihoods and appropriate development interventions.
Environmental Responsibility
The exploitation of natural resources should not come at the expense of the environment or the health and wellbeing of present and future generations.
OMPALAN supports responsible resource development founded on environmental protection, accountability, restoration and sustainable practices.
Community Participation and Development
Sustainable development requires communities to be participants—not merely recipients—in decisions concerning the resources and environments upon which they depend.
OMPALAN promotes constructive engagement among producing and impacted communities, government institutions, resource developers, civil society and other relevant stakeholders.
Our Commitment
OMPALAN seeks to contribute to informed public discourse, research, advocacy and responsible engagement concerning natural resources and the communities connected to them.
Our objective is to encourage a framework in which natural-resource development contributes to national prosperity while respecting communities, protecting the environment and upholding human dignity.