Nnimmo Bassey: Difference between revisions

By /

 

Line 10: Line 10:

==Early life and education==

==Early life and education==

Nnimmo Bassey was born on 11 June 1958 in Nigeria. He grew up in the [[Niger Delta]] region, an area marked by extractivist oil production and recurring environmental problems. He attended primary and secondary school in the region before studying architecture at the [[University of Nigeria]]. After completing his architectural training, he worked in the public sector for about ten years and later continued in private practice. During this period, he developed an interest in social and [[environmental issues]], which led him to become involved in human rights work in the 1980s. He later served on the Board of Directors of Nigeria’s [[Civil Liberties Organization|Civil Liberties Organisation]] before moving fully into environmental and community-based advocacy.

Nnimmo Bassey was born on 11 June 1958. He studied [[architecture]], practiced in the public sector for 10 years and thereafter continued in private practice. He was active on [[human rights]] issues in the 1980s when he served on the [[Board of directors|Board of Directors]] of Nigeria’s Civil Liberties Organization. In 1993, he co-founded a Nigerian (Non-governmental organization) NGO known as Environmental Rights Action (Friends of the Earth Nigeria) in order to [[advocate]], educate and organize around environmental human rights issues in [[Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ecowarriorprincess.net/2020/03/7-top-african-environmental-climate-activists-sustainable/ |title=7 Top African Environmental and Climate Activists Fighting for a Sustainable Future |access-date=2023-03-26 |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929235954/https://ecowarriorprincess.net/2020/03/7-top-african-environmental-climate-activists-sustainable/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Since 1996, Bassey and Environmental Rights Action led Oil watch [[Africa]] and, beginning in 2006, also led the Global South Network, Oil watch International, striving to mobilize [[Community|communities]] against the expansion of [[fossil fuel]]s extraction.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.devex.com/organizations/environmental-rights-action-era-113168 | title=Environmental Rights Action (ERA) &#124; Devex }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ejolt.org/2011/09/era/ | title=ERA – Environmental Rights Action &#124; Environmental Justice Organisations, Liabilities and Trade }}</ref> Bassey has served in the committees of both Oil watch International and the regional arm, Oil watch Africa since inception. Oil watch [[Africa]] has membership in [[Nigeria]], [[Chad]], [[Cameroon]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo Democratic Republic]], [[Ghana Empire|Ghana]], [[Uganda]], [[South Africa]], [[Togo]], [[Kenya]], [[Eswatini|Swaziland]], [[Mozambique]], [[Mali]], [[Sudan]], [[South Sudan]] and others.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oilwatch.org/oilwatch-in-africa/organisations-in-africa/ | title=Organisations in Africa &#124; Oilwatch }}</ref> Membership of Oil watch International spreads across [[South America]], [[Southeast Asia]], [[Africa]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oilwatch in Africa {{!}} Oilwatch |url=https://www.oilwatch.org/oilwatch-in-africa/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The Network works to resist destructive oil, gas and coal extraction activities. It demands an urgent shift from the dominant petroleum-fueled [[civilization]]. In 2011, Bassey founded the [[Ecology|Ecological]] think tank, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation promoting environmental [[climate justice]] and [[food sovereignty]] in [[Nigeria]] and Africa.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nnimmo Bassey Biography|url=http://www.foei.org/en/media/resources-for-journalists/nnimmo-bassey-photos/nnimmo-bassey-biography/view|publisher=Friends of the Earth International|accessdate=22 March 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413021305/http://www.foei.org/en/media/resources-for-journalists/nnimmo-bassey-photos/nnimmo-bassey-biography/view|archivedate=13 April 2013}}</ref> At the [[2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference]] in [[Copenhagen]], Bassey – despite being accredited – was “physically kept out” of a meeting.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.democracynow.org/2009/12/17/a_naked_form_of_blackmail_naomi | title=”A Naked Form of Blackmail”: Naomi Klein on Secretary of State Clinton’s Proposal to Set up $100 Billion Climate Aid Fund for Developing Countries | website=[[Democracy Now!]] }}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}

== Human rights and early activism ==

== Career ==

Bassey became active in [[human rights]] work in the 1980s when he served on the Board of Directors of Nigeria’s [[Civil Liberties Organization|Civil Liberties Organisation]]. His early advocacy addressed civic freedoms and environmental concerns affecting communities in the Niger Delta. During this period, he began to link human-rights violations with the impacts of [[resource extraction]], a connection that later shaped his work in [[environmental justice]].

Bassey led Friends of the Earth International from 2008 to 2012 and for two [[decade]]s, was the executive director of Environmental Rights Action.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nnimmo Bassey |url=https://corporateaccountability.org/staff/nnimmo-bassey/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=Corporate Accountability |language=en}}</ref> He is the director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation <ref name=”:2″>{{cite web |title=Health of Mother Earth Foundation|url=http://www.homef.org/|accessdate=February 11, 2014}}</ref>and have served on the

== Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) ==

⚫

In 2011, Bassey founded the [[Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-05 |title=Health of Mother Earth Foundation {{!}} Examining the roots of exploitation of resources, peoples and nations |url=https://homef.org/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>, an ecological think tank and advocacy organisation working on environmental justice, climate impacts and [[food sovereignty]] in Africa. Based in Nigeria, HOMEF runs research, capacity-building and community engagement programmes that examine issues such as fossil-fuel extraction, [[climate change]], biotechnology, land use and [[corporate accountability]], especially by oli companies. HOMEF convenes learning and monitoring activities with communities affected by environmental degradation, produces reports<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resources {{!}} Health of Mother Earth Foundation |url=https://homef.org/resources/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> on ecological and socio-economic impacts, and hosts policy dialogues involving civil society groups, academics and public officials. Under Bassey’s direction, the organisation has collaborated with regional and international networks working on [[climate justice]] and [[environmental governance]]. HOMEF also publishes educational materials on ecological health, agroecology and the political dimensions of environmental change.

== Environmental Rights Action (ERA) ==

Other books by Bassey include:

Bassey co-founded [[Environmental Rights Action]] (ERA), also known as [[Friends of the Earth]] Nigeria, in 1993 and served as its Executive Director until 2013. During his tenure, ERA carried out campaigns on oil pollution, gas flaring, deforestation, tobacco control and genetic engineering. The organisation supported community efforts to document environmental damage, pursued litigation against oil companies, and contributed to regional initiatives on food sovereignty and environmental monitoring. ERA received international recognition for its work, including the [[Sophie Prize]] in 1998 and the Bloomberg Award for tobacco control activism in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philanthropies |first=Bloomberg |title=Bloomberg Philanthropies Recognizes Governments and NGOs For Outstanding Work in Ending Tobacco Use |url=https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bloomberg-philanthropies-recognizes-governments-and-ngos-for-outstanding-work-in-ending-tobacco-use-676129053.html |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=www.prnewswire.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

# Patriots & Cockroaches (Poems) 1992

# Beyond Simple Lines: the Architecture of Chief G.Y. Aduku and Archcon (with Okechukwu Nwaeze) 1993

== Oilwatch Africa and Oilwatch International ==

# The Management of Construction [1994]

Since 1996, Bassey has been associated with Oilwatch Africa,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oilwatch in Africa {{!}} Oilwatch |url=https://www.oilwatch.org/oilwatch-in-africa/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |language=en-GB}}</ref> a network formed to link communities affected by oil and gas extraction. He later contributed to the development of Oilwatch International,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oilwatch {{!}} Resisting the negative impact of fossil fuel extraction |url=https://www.oilwatch.org/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |language=en-GB}}</ref> a [[Global South]] network promoting alternatives to fossil-fuel expansion. Through these networks, he has worked with groups in [[Africa]], [[South America]] and [[Southeast Asia]] to monitor extraction impacts and support community-based responses. Bassey has served on the steering committee of Oilwatch International since its inception.

⚫

# Oil watching in South America (Environment) [1997]

== Friends of the Earth International ==

⚫

From 2008 to 2012, Bassey chaired [[Friends of the Earth International]] (FOEI), the world’s largest grassroots environmental federation. In this role, he worked with member organisations across all regions, supported international campaigns on climate justice and resource extraction, and represented FOEI in global environmental forums. His tenure led to increased collaboration among [[Global South]] organisations responding to environmental degradation linked to extractive industries.

⚫ ⚫

== Global advocacy and international climate engagement ==

⚫

Bassey has been recognised for his contributions to environmental justice and community rights across several decades of work with national and international organisations. His leadership in [[Environmental Rights Action]], Oilwatch networks and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation has supported public awareness of oil pollution, gas flaring, land degradation and other impacts of fossil-fuel extraction in the [[Niger Delta]] and comparable regions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nnimmo Bassey |url=https://rightlivelihood.org/the-change-makers/find-a-laureate/nnimmo-bassey/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=Right Livelihood |language=en-US}}</ref> Through his writing and public commentary,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-12-23 |title=Nigeria oil spill ‘could hit fisheries’ |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16320764 |access-date=2025-12-05 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> he has contributed to debates on climate policy, ecological governance and the social costs of resource exploitation in the Global South.

⚫ ⚫

Nnimmo Bassey he been associated with several environmental justice campaigns, such as the “Ogonize and Yasunize” campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-16 |title=COP30: HOMEF, Oilwatch International Demand Real Climate Action- ‘Yasunise’ and ‘Ogonise’ The World {{!}} AIT LIVE |url=https://ait.live/cop30-homef-oilwatch-international-demand-real-climate-action-yasunise-and-ogonise-the-world/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ossai |first=Jude |date=2025-10-25 |title=HOMEF mobilises ‘Ogonize and Yasunize’ campaigns to remediate Nigeria, Ecuador oil communities. |url=https://dailynewsngr.com.ng/homef-mobilises-ogonize-and-yasunize-campaigns-to-remediate-nigeria-ecuador-oil-communities/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=Daily News Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref> This campaign, which Bassey has promoted for long, was introduced by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation and [[Oilwatch International]] during the [[COP30]] climate conference in Belém, Brazil.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-16 |title=COP30: HOMEF, Oilwatch International Demand Real Climate Action- ‘Yasunise’ and ‘Ogonise’ The World {{!}} AIT LIVE |url=https://ait.live/cop30-homef-oilwatch-international-demand-real-climate-action-yasunise-and-ogonise-the-world/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> The initiative draws on the experiences of oil-impacted communities in the [[Ogoni people|Ogoni]] region of Nigeria and the [[Yasuní National Park|Yasuni]] territory in Ecuador,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ossai |first=Jude |date=2025-10-25 |title=HOMEF mobilises ‘Ogonize and Yasunize’ campaigns to remediate Nigeria, Ecuador oil communities. |url=https://dailynewsngr.com.ng/homef-mobilises-ogonize-and-yasunize-campaigns-to-remediate-nigeria-ecuador-oil-communities/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=Daily News Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref> and calls attention to the environmental and social effects of oil extraction while linking local resistance efforts with wider international discussions on [[climate action]].

⚫ ⚫

== Writings and publications ==

# Oil Politics – Echoes of Ecological Wars (Daraja Press, 2016).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-03 |title=Trade and human rights in the Niger Delta {{!}} Pambazuka News |url=https://www.pambazuka.org/governance/trade-and-human-rights-niger-delta |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=www.pambazuka.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bassey |first=Nnimmo |url=https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/12863822 |title=Oil politics: echoes of ecological wars |date=2016 |publisher=Daraja Press |isbn=978-0-9952223-1-1 |location=Montreal, Quebec}}</ref>

# I see the Invisible (Poems) (Daraja Press, 2023).

=== Poetry collections ===

# ”SHELL’S FPSO poses serious danger”<ref>http://www.nigerdeltacongress.com/sarticles/shell_and_its_dirty_tricks.htm</ref>

* ”Patriots & Cockroaches” (1992)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bassey |first=Nnimmo. |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/007590824 |title=Patriots and cockroaches: (poems) |date=1992 |publisher=Kraft Books |isbn=978-978-2081-17-9 |series=Kraftgriots |location=Yaba, Lagos}}</ref>

⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫

* ”I See the Invisible” (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Books |url=https://nnimmobassey.africa/books/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=Nnimmo Bassey |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Writings on environment, extractivism, and climate justice ===

* ”Oilwatching in South America” (1997)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bassey |first=Nnimmo |url=https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Oilwatching_in_South_America/_3AnAQAAMAAJ?hl=en |title=Oilwatching in South America: Environment |date=1997 |publisher=Environmental Rights Action, Oilwatch |isbn=978-978-2081-93-3 |language=en}}</ref>

⚫ ⚫

* “Way out for Nigeria: No More Oil Blocks!” in ”Sparking a Worldwide Energy Revolution” (2010)

* “Change” in ”The Global Greens” (2001)

* “Towards a political framework for food security” in ”Africa Can Feed Itself” (2007)

* “Localized Energy Conflicts” in ”Climate Change and Energy Insecurity” (2009)

* “The Climate Crisis and the Struggle for African Food Sovereignty” in ”The Climate Crisis – Southern Africa and Global Democratic Eco-Socialist Alternatives” (2018)<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.18772/22018020541 |title=The Climate Crisis: South African and Global Democratic Eco-Socialist Alternatives |date=2018 |publisher=Wits University Press |isbn=978-1-77614-054-1 |doi=10.18772/22018020541}}</ref>

⚫ ⚫ ⚫

* ”Oil Politics – Echoes of Ecological Wars” (2016)

* ”Politics of Turbulent Waters – Reflections on Ecological, Environmental and Climate Crisis in Africa” (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Politics of Turbulent Waters: Reflections on Ecological, Environmental and Climate Crises in Africa – DarajaPress |url=https://darajapress.com/publication/politics-of-turbulent-waters-reflections-on-ecological-environmental-and-climate-crises-in-africa/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>

* ”Stop the Continent Grab and the REDD-ification of Africa” (2015)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stopping the Continent Grab and the REDD-Ification of Africa |url=https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Stopping-the-Continent-Grab-and-the-REDD-Ification-of-Africa-by-Nnimmo-Bassey/9781519104472 |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=blackwells.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

* “Preface” to ”Silence Would Be Treason – Last Writings of Ken Saro-Wiwa” (2015)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cox |first=Laurence |url=https://www.academia.edu/4717895/Silence_would_be_treason_last_writings_of_Ken_Saro_Wiwa |title=Silence would be treason: last writings of Ken Saro-Wiwa |date=2017-11-07}}</ref>

=== Works on architecture and built environment ===

* ”Beyond Simple Lines: The Architecture of Chief G.Y. Aduku and Archcon” (co-authored, 1993)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beyond simple lines : the architecture of Gabriel Y. Aduku and ARCHCON {{!}} WorldCat.org |url=https://search.worldcat.org/title/30746391 |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=search.worldcat.org |language=en}}</ref>

* ”The Management of Construction” (1994)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bassey |first=Nnimmo |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4249546-the-management-of-construction |title=The management of construction |date=1994 |publisher=Kraft Books |isbn=978-978-2081-41-4 |location=Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria}}</ref>

⚫

== Awards and recognitions ==

== Awards and recognitions ==

*2009 Times Magazine’s Hero Of Environment<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schjørlien |first=Publisert 02 10 2009 av Kay Asbjørn Knutsen |date=2009-10-02 |title=Nnimmo Bassey – Hero of the Environment 2009 |url=https://naturvernforbundet.no/international/news/nnimmo-bassey-hero-of-the-environment-2009-article9122-191.html |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=naturvernforbundet.no |language=no |archive-date=2020-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921152129/https://naturvernforbundet.no/international/news/nnimmo-bassey-hero-of-the-environment-2009-article9122-191.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

*

Times Magazine’s Hero Environment<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schjørlien |first=Publisert 02 10 2009 av Kay Asbjørn Knutsen |date=2009-10-02 |title=Nnimmo Bassey – Hero of the Environment 2009 |url=https://naturvernforbundet.no/international/news/nnimmo-bassey-hero-of-the-environment-2009-article9122-191.html |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=naturvernforbundet.no |language=no |archive-date=2020-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921152129/https://naturvernforbundet.no/international/news/nnimmo-bassey-hero-of-the-environment-2009-article9122-191.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

*2010 Laureate Right Livelihood Award winner<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nnimmo Bassey |url=https://rightlivelihood.org/the-change-makers/find-a-laureate/nnimmo-bassey/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=Right Livelihood |language=en}}</ref>

*Laureate Right Livelihood Award <ref>{{Cite web |title=Nnimmo Bassey |url=https://rightlivelihood.org/the-change-makers/find-a-laureate/nnimmo-bassey/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=Right Livelihood |language=en}}</ref>

*2012 Rafto Prize winner<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-02 |title=The 2012 Rafto Prize awarded to Nnimmo Bassey |url=https://humanrightshouse.org/articles/the-2012-rafto-prize-awarded-to-nnimmo-bassey/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=Human Rights House Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref>

*Rafto Prize <ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-02 |title=The 2012 Rafto Prize awarded to Nnimmo Bassey |url=https://humanrightshouse.org/articles/the-2012-rafto-prize-awarded-to-nnimmo-bassey/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=Human Rights House Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref>

*2019 Honorary Doctorate, [[University of York]], England<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-23 |title=Nnimmo Bassey bags York varsity honorary degree |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/07/nnimmo-bassey-bags-york-varsity-honorary-degree/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-28 |title=Bassey bags University Of York’s doctoral award |url=https://t.guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/bassey-bags-university-of-yorks-doctoral-award/ |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}</ref>

*Honorary Doctorate, [[University of York]], England<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-23 |title=Nnimmo Bassey bags York varsity honorary degree |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/07/nnimmo-bassey-bags-york-varsity-honorary-degree/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-28 |title=Bassey bags University Of York’s doctoral award |url=https://t.guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/bassey-bags-university-of-yorks-doctoral-award/ |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}</ref>

*Honorary doctorate, York University (Canada) (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |last=manton |date=2023-10-11 |title=York University will award honorary degrees to four outstanding individuals recognized as exemplary changemakers during the 2023 Fall Convocation |url=https://www.yorku.ca/news/2023/10/11/york-university-will-award-honorary-degrees-to-four-outstanding-individuals-recognized-as-exemplary-changemakers-during-the-2023-fall-convocation/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=News@York |language=en-CA}}</ref>

*2024 [[Wallenberg Medal]] winner<ref name=”k079″>{{cite web | last=Odeh | first=Nehru | title=Nigerian writer Nnimmo Bassey wins 2024 Wallenberg Medal | website=P.M. News | date=2024-02-14 | url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/02/14/nigerian-writer-nnimmo-bassey-wins-2024-wallenberg-medal/ | access-date=2024-09-04}}</ref>

*[[Wallenberg Medal]] <ref name=”k079″>{{cite web | last=Odeh | first=Nehru | title=Nigerian writer Nnimmo Bassey wins 2024 Wallenberg Medal | website=P.M. News | date=2024-02-14 | url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/02/14/nigerian-writer-nnimmo-bassey-wins-2024-wallenberg-medal/ | access-date=2024-09-04}}</ref>

*Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), Nigerian National Honour (2014)

*Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA) (2014)

*Global Appreciation Award – WHCC, New York (2011)

*Oba of Benin Green Award – Policeman of the Environment (2010)

*Defender of Environment Award – Environmental Outreach Magazine (2010)

*Dedicated Environmentalist Award – Jude Nosagie (2009)

*Excellence Award for Use of Talents – Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (1998)

*Distinguished UNN Alumnus – Edo State Chapter (1996)

*Award of Excellence – Nkwot Community, Akwa Ibom (2015)

== Legacy and influence ==

Bassey is regarded as “one of Africa’s leading advocates and campaigners for environment and human rights”.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-09-29 |title=Nnimmo Bassey Receives National Honour for Environmental Rights Activism |url=https://gaiafoundation.org/nnimmo-bassey-receives-national-honour-for-environmental-rights-activism/ |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=Gaia Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> His work with ERA, Oilwatch and HOMEF has contributed to [[Public awareness of climate change|public awareness]] of oil pollution and climate impacts in the Niger Delta and other extraction zones. International awards such as the Right Livelihood Award, the Rafto Prize and the Wallenberg Medal have recognised his contributions to environmental defence and human rights. His publications, which include poetry, environmental analysis and commentary, have added to debates on [[Environmental degradation|ecological degradation]], governance and the social costs of fossil-fuel dependence.

==See also==

==See also==

Nigerian architect and activist (born 1958)

Nnimmo Bassey
Born (1958-06-11) 11 June 1958 (age 67)

Nigeria
Occupation(s) Nigeria architect, environmental activist, author and poet

Nnimmo Bassey (born 11 June 1958) is a Nigerian environmental activist, author and poet known for his long-standing work on environmental justice in Africa. He chaired Friends of the Earth International from 2008 to 2012[1] and was executive director of Environmental Rights Action for two decades.[2] His work has focused on advocating for communities affected by oil exploitation in the Niger Delta and strengthening transnational networks opposing destructive extraction across the Global South. Bassey is the founder and director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation, an environmental think tank promoting ecological justice and food sovereignty across Africa. He was named one of Time magazine’s Heroes of the Environment in 2009[3] and has received several international recognitions, including Laureate of the Right Livelihood Award (2010),[4] the Rafto Prize (2012),[5] two honorary doctorates from the University of York, UK (2019) and York University, Canada (2023), and the Wallenberg Medal of the University of Michigan (2024).

Early life and education

[edit]

Nnimmo Bassey was born on 11 June 1958 in Nigeria. He grew up in the Niger Delta region, an area marked by extractivist oil production and recurring environmental problems. He attended primary and secondary school in the region before studying architecture at the University of Nigeria. After completing his architectural training, he worked in the public sector for about ten years and later continued in private practice. During this period, he developed an interest in social and environmental issues, which led him to become involved in human rights work in the 1980s. He later served on the Board of Directors of Nigeria’s Civil Liberties Organisation before moving fully into environmental and community-based advocacy.

Human rights and early activism

[edit]

Bassey became active in human rights work in the 1980s when he served on the Board of Directors of Nigeria’s Civil Liberties Organisation. His early advocacy addressed civic freedoms and environmental concerns affecting communities in the Niger Delta. During this period, he began to link human-rights violations with the impacts of resource extraction, a connection that later shaped his work in environmental justice.

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)

[edit]

In 2011, Bassey founded the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)[6], an ecological think tank and advocacy organisation working on environmental justice, climate impacts and food sovereignty in Africa. Based in Nigeria, HOMEF runs research, capacity-building and community engagement programmes that examine issues such as fossil-fuel extraction, climate change, biotechnology, land use and corporate accountability, especially by oli companies. HOMEF convenes learning and monitoring activities with communities affected by environmental degradation, produces reports[7] on ecological and socio-economic impacts, and hosts policy dialogues involving civil society groups, academics and public officials. Under Bassey’s direction, the organisation has collaborated with regional and international networks working on climate justice and environmental governance. HOMEF also publishes educational materials on ecological health, agroecology and the political dimensions of environmental change.

Environmental Rights Action (ERA)

[edit]

Bassey co-founded Environmental Rights Action (ERA), also known as Friends of the Earth Nigeria, in 1993 and served as its Executive Director until 2013. During his tenure, ERA carried out campaigns on oil pollution, gas flaring, deforestation, tobacco control and genetic engineering. The organisation supported community efforts to document environmental damage, pursued litigation against oil companies, and contributed to regional initiatives on food sovereignty and environmental monitoring. ERA received international recognition for its work, including the Sophie Prize in 1998 and the Bloomberg Award for tobacco control activism in 2009.[8]

Oilwatch Africa and Oilwatch International

[edit]

Since 1996, Bassey has been associated with Oilwatch Africa,[9] a network formed to link communities affected by oil and gas extraction. He later contributed to the development of Oilwatch International,[10] a Global South network promoting alternatives to fossil-fuel expansion. Through these networks, he has worked with groups in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia to monitor extraction impacts and support community-based responses. Bassey has served on the steering committee of Oilwatch International since its inception.

Friends of the Earth International

[edit]

From 2008 to 2012, Bassey chaired Friends of the Earth International (FOEI), the world’s largest grassroots environmental federation. In this role, he worked with member organisations across all regions, supported international campaigns on climate justice and resource extraction, and represented FOEI in global environmental forums. His tenure led to increased collaboration among Global South organisations responding to environmental degradation linked to extractive industries.

Global advocacy and international climate engagement

[edit]

Bassey has been recognised for his contributions to environmental justice and community rights across several decades of work with national and international organisations. His leadership in Environmental Rights Action, Oilwatch networks and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation has supported public awareness of oil pollution, gas flaring, land degradation and other impacts of fossil-fuel extraction in the Niger Delta and comparable regions.[11] Through his writing and public commentary,[12] he has contributed to debates on climate policy, ecological governance and the social costs of resource exploitation in the Global South.

Nnimmo Bassey he been associated with several environmental justice campaigns, such as the “Ogonize and Yasunize” campaign.[13][14] This campaign, which Bassey has promoted for long, was introduced by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation and Oilwatch International during the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil.[15] The initiative draws on the experiences of oil-impacted communities in the Ogoni region of Nigeria and the Yasuni territory in Ecuador,[16] and calls attention to the environmental and social effects of oil extraction while linking local resistance efforts with wider international discussions on climate action.

Writings and publications

[edit]

  • Patriots & Cockroaches (1992)[17]
  • Poems on the Run (1994)
  • Intercepted (1998)
  • We Thought It Was Oil But It Was Blood (2002)
  • I Will Not Dance to Your Beat (2011)
  • I See the Invisible (2023)[18]

Writings on environment, extractivism, and climate justice

[edit]

  • Oilwatching in South America (1997)[19]
  • Genetically Modified Organisms: The African Challenge (2004)
  • Knee Deep in Crude: ERA Field Reports (ed.) (2009)
  • “Way out for Nigeria: No More Oil Blocks!” in Sparking a Worldwide Energy Revolution (2010)
  • “Change” in The Global Greens (2001)
  • “Towards a political framework for food security” in Africa Can Feed Itself (2007)
  • “Localized Energy Conflicts” in Climate Change and Energy Insecurity (2009)
  • “The Climate Crisis and the Struggle for African Food Sovereignty” in The Climate Crisis – Southern Africa and Global Democratic Eco-Socialist Alternatives (2018)[20]
  • The Nigerian Environment and the Rule of Law (ed.) (2009)
  • To Cook a Continent – Africa: Destructive Extraction & Climate Change (2012)[21]
  • We Thought It Was Oil But It Was Blood – Resistance to Military-Corporate Wedlock in Nigeria and Beyond (2015)
  • Oil Politics – Echoes of Ecological Wars (2016)
  • Politics of Turbulent Waters – Reflections on Ecological, Environmental and Climate Crisis in Africa (2023)[22]
  • Stop the Continent Grab and the REDD-ification of Africa (2015)[23]
  • “Preface” to Silence Would Be Treason – Last Writings of Ken Saro-Wiwa (2015)[24]

Works on architecture and built environment

[edit]

  • Beyond Simple Lines: The Architecture of Chief G.Y. Aduku and Archcon (co-authored, 1993)[25]
  • The Management of Construction (1994)[26]
  • Living Houses (2005)

Awards and recognitions

[edit]

  • Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize) (2010)[27]
  • Times Magazine’s Hero of Environment (2009)[28]
  • Laureate Right Livelihood Award Winner (2010)[29]
  • Rafto Prize Winner (2012)[30]
  • Honorary Doctorate, University of York, England (2019)[31][32]
  • Honorary doctorate, York University (Canada) (2023)[33]
  • Wallenberg Medal Winner, University of Michigan (2024)[34]
  • Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), Nigerian National Honour (2014)
  • Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA) (2014)
  • Global Appreciation Award – WHCC, New York (2011)
  • Oba of Benin Green Award – Policeman of the Environment (2010)
  • Defender of Environment Award – Environmental Outreach Magazine (2010)
  • Dedicated Environmentalist Award – Jude Nosagie (2009)
  • Excellence Award for Use of Talents – Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (1998)
  • Distinguished UNN Alumnus – Edo State Chapter (1996)
  • Award of Excellence – Nkwot Community, Akwa Ibom (2015)

Legacy and influence

[edit]

Bassey is regarded as “one of Africa’s leading advocates and campaigners for environment and human rights”.[35] His work with ERA, Oilwatch and HOMEF has contributed to public awareness of oil pollution and climate impacts in the Niger Delta and other extraction zones. International awards such as the Right Livelihood Award, the Rafto Prize and the Wallenberg Medal have recognised his contributions to environmental defence and human rights. His publications, which include poetry, environmental analysis and commentary, have added to debates on ecological degradation, governance and the social costs of fossil-fuel dependence.

  1. ^ “Nnimmo Bassey elected chair of Friends of the Earth International”. Archived from the original on 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  2. ^ “The Right Livelyhood Award: List of Laureates: Nnimmo Bassey 2010”. Right Livelihood Award Foundation. Archived from the original on 22 April 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  3. ^ Time Time – Heroes of the Environment 2009
  4. ^ “Right Livelihood Award: 2010 – Nnimmo Bassey”. Archived from the original on 2014-04-22. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  5. ^ «Raftoprisen til Nnimmo Bassey», Vårt Land, 27. september 2012.
  6. ^ “Health of Mother Earth Foundation | Examining the roots of exploitation of resources, peoples and nations”. 2025-12-05. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  7. ^ “Resources | Health of Mother Earth Foundation”. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  8. ^ Philanthropies, Bloomberg. “Bloomberg Philanthropies Recognizes Governments and NGOs For Outstanding Work in Ending Tobacco Use”. www.prnewswire.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  9. ^ “Oilwatch in Africa | Oilwatch”. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  10. ^ “Oilwatch | Resisting the negative impact of fossil fuel extraction”. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  11. ^ “Nnimmo Bassey”. Right Livelihood. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  12. ^ “Nigeria oil spill ‘could hit fisheries’“. BBC News. 2011-12-23. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  13. ^ “COP30: HOMEF, Oilwatch International Demand Real Climate Action- ‘Yasunise’ and ‘Ogonise’ The World | AIT LIVE”. 2025-11-16. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  14. ^ Ossai, Jude (2025-10-25). “HOMEF mobilises ‘Ogonize and Yasunize’ campaigns to remediate Nigeria, Ecuador oil communities”. Daily News Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  15. ^ “COP30: HOMEF, Oilwatch International Demand Real Climate Action- ‘Yasunise’ and ‘Ogonise’ The World | AIT LIVE”. 2025-11-16. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  16. ^ Ossai, Jude (2025-10-25). “HOMEF mobilises ‘Ogonize and Yasunize’ campaigns to remediate Nigeria, Ecuador oil communities”. Daily News Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  17. ^ Bassey, Nnimmo. (1992). Patriots and cockroaches: (poems). Kraftgriots. Yaba, Lagos: Kraft Books. ISBN 978-978-2081-17-9.
  18. ^ “Books”. Nnimmo Bassey. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  19. ^ Bassey, Nnimmo (1997). Oilwatching in South America: Environment. Environmental Rights Action, Oilwatch. ISBN 978-978-2081-93-3.
  20. ^ The Climate Crisis: South African and Global Democratic Eco-Socialist Alternatives. Wits University Press. 2018. doi:10.18772/22018020541. ISBN 978-1-77614-054-1.
  21. ^ Bassey, Nnimmo (2012). To Cook a Continent: Destructive Extraction and the Climate Crisis in Africa. Fahamu/Pambazuka. ISBN 978-1-906387-53-2.
  22. ^ “Politics of Turbulent Waters: Reflections on Ecological, Environmental and Climate Crises in Africa – DarajaPress”. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  23. ^ “Stopping the Continent Grab and the REDD-Ification of Africa”. blackwells.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  24. ^ Cox, Laurence (2017-11-07). Silence would be treason: last writings of Ken Saro-Wiwa.
  25. ^ “Beyond simple lines : the architecture of Gabriel Y. Aduku and ARCHCON | WorldCat.org”. search.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  26. ^ Bassey, Nnimmo (1994). The management of construction. Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria: Kraft Books. ISBN 978-978-2081-41-4.
  27. ^ “Nnimmo Bassey”. Right Livelihood. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  28. ^ Schjørlien, Publisert 02 10 2009 av Kay Asbjørn Knutsen (2009-10-02). “Nnimmo Bassey – Hero of the Environment 2009”. naturvernforbundet.no (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 2020-09-21. Retrieved 2022-03-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ “Nnimmo Bassey”. Right Livelihood. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  30. ^ “The 2012 Rafto Prize awarded to Nnimmo Bassey”. Human Rights House Foundation. 2012-10-02. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  31. ^ “Nnimmo Bassey bags York varsity honorary degree”. Vanguard News. 2019-07-23. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  32. ^ “Bassey bags University Of York’s doctoral award”. The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 2019-07-28. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
  33. ^ manton (2023-10-11). “York University will award honorary degrees to four outstanding individuals recognized as exemplary changemakers during the 2023 Fall Convocation”. News@York. Retrieved 2025-12-05.
  34. ^ Odeh, Nehru (2024-02-14). “Nigerian writer Nnimmo Bassey wins 2024 Wallenberg Medal”. P.M. News. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
  35. ^ “Nnimmo Bassey Receives National Honour for Environmental Rights Activism”. Gaia Foundation. 2014-09-29. Retrieved 2025-12-05.

Must Read

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top