The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called for renewed national reflection on the unresolved issues of justice, equity and development in the Niger Delta.

This is as the region commemorates the 58th anniversary of Boro Day.

In a statement issued to mark the occasion, the group said the late Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro should be remembered not only as an Ijaw hero but as a symbol of the collective struggle of minority ethnic nationalities across the Niger Delta.

The statement issued on Sunday in Yenago, was signed by the National President of MOSIEND, Dr Kenedy Tonjo-West.

MOSIEND stated that Boro’s agitation transcended ethnic boundaries and focused on the emancipation, dignity and equitable treatment of oppressed communities in the oil-rich region.

The organisation warned against reducing Boro Day to “an Ijaw youth event alone,”

It noted that such a narrow interpretation diminishes the broader significance of his sacrifices for the Niger Delta people.

According to the group, many of the grievances identified by Boro over five decades ago remain unresolved, including structural imbalance in resource ownership, weak fiscal federalism, environmental degradation, political exclusion and policies perceived as hostile to oil-producing communities.

The group also criticised the continued implementation of laws such as the Land Use Act, arguing that host communities continue to bear the environmental and economic burden of oil exploration without corresponding development.

MOSIEND further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the practice of serving simultaneously as substantive Minister of Petroleum, stressing that effective governance requires accountability, institutional specialisation and transparent oversight.

It argued that If direct presidential supervision is considered necessary in the petroleum sector, similar arrangements should also apply to other strategic sectors such as defence and solid minerals.

The organisation also called on the Federal Government to revisit policies limiting host community participation and to address long-standing demands for restructuring and fiscal federalism, which it described as critical to national stability and justice.

Expressing concern over the slow pace of marine and blue economy development in the Niger Delta, MOSIEND said the region’s ’ast maritime potential has remained largely underutilised compared to developments in other parts of the country.

The group also appealed to the Ijaw nation to embrace unity and peaceful engagement, warning that internal divisions continue to weaken collective advocacy efforts in the region.

MOSIEND urged Niger Deltans to rise above ethnic differences and work together for the advancement of the region, while calling on Nigeria to address lingering questions surrounding justice, constitutional balance and national inclusion.

The organisation described the 58th Boro’s Day anniversary as not only a remembrance of history, but also a reminder that the issues raised by Boro during his lifetime remain relevant in contemporary Nigeria.

Update news