FAIR4ALL Media Colloquium and Exhibition Highlights Progress Towards a More Equitable Society

On September 5, 2023, the highly anticipated Fiscal Accountability for Inequality Reduction (FAIR4ALL) Media Colloquium and Exhibition took place in Abuja. The event, led by Oxfam in Nigeria and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Netherlands, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat inequality and promote fairness in society.

The FAIR4ALL project, now in its third year, has achieved significant milestones within the framework of its Oxfam Country Strategy-OCS during its second year of implementation. These accomplishments include notable outcomes, compelling human-interest stories collected by the media team, successful monitoring visits, strengthened partnerships, improved regulatory framework, and the mobilization of numerous communities to advocate for a just distribution of natural resources and inclusive participation in policy-making processes.

Beyond the project's boundaries, the Just Economies Pillar of the OCS has played a complementary role by advancing access to finance and inputs for rural farmers, engaging in the budget process, supporting youth entrepreneurship, promoting fair taxation, civic inclusion, climate and gender justice.

“At the core of the FAIR4ALL event is a shared vision—a vision of a society where opportunities are not privileges but birthright, wealth is distributed equitably, and voices are heard regardless of gender or background. The concept of "fairness" is not just a term but a lived reality that participants are working tirelessly to achieve.” said Hamza Ahmed Tijani, Ag. Country Director, Oxfam in Nigeria.

A highlight of the event was a panel session featuring government agencies, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Code of Conduct Bureau, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The panel discussion addressed several key focus points:

1. Collaborative Efforts Against Corruption: Participants called for closer collaboration between organizations dedicated to combating corruption and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to intensify efforts in pursuit of tax justice, addressing the root causes of corruption within the nation.
2. Engaging Key Stakeholders: Recognizing the limitations of sustained advocacy efforts, it was emphasized that engaging key stakeholders, including government agencies, in initiatives beyond the scope of CSOs is imperative.
3. Utilizing NOSDRA's Directory-DIR Tool: The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) DIR tool was highlighted as a vital resource. Advocates urged its annual utilization to assess local governments, states, and communities, facilitating identifying and remedying areas affected by oil spillage.
4. Government-Non-State Collaboration: The collaboration between government entities and non-state actors was deemed paramount to achieving shared goals. Enhanced cooperation is expected to yield more impactful outcomes.
5. Involvement of NHRC: It was stressed that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should be involved at the inception of various Rights related projects to build synergy with grassroots mobilization efforts. The use of the NHRC toll-free Directory "6472" for registering complaints and concerns was encouraged.

6. Addressing Environmental Complaints: The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) expressed readiness to address complaints related to environmental degradation. A progressive partnership with Civil Society Organizations was encouraged to safeguard the environment as the nation makes effort towards a Just Energy Transition-Net Zero by 2060.

The FAIR4ALL Media Colloquium and Exhibition provided a platform for diverse stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and strategize for a more equitable and just society. The commitment of government agencies, the diplomatic community and civil society to collaborate towards these goals is a promising step forward.