Nnimmo Bassey warns against carbon colonialism and extractive economy at Nigeria environmental convergence

Environmental activist Nnimmo Bassey called out carbon credit projects that displace local communities, labeling them carbon colonialism. Speaking at the 3rd Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternatives Convergence in Abuja, he warned that Nigeria loses 250,000 to 300,000 hectares of forest each year and could face complete deforestation by 2052. Bassey criticized the extractive development model that prioritizes profit over people and ecosystems. He pointed to large forest allocations in Delta and Niger states for carbon trading initiatives, arguing these projects often strip communities of land they have depended on for generations. He also cautioned against celebrating new mineral discoveries without first securing community consent and improving environmental governance. The activist urged stronger forestry services, indigenous forest regeneration, and community-driven agroforestry as alternatives to top-down conservation and poorly regulated mining. His remarks highlight growing tensions between global carbon offset schemes and local land rights in Nigeria.