Resource Justice Network, honours Rev. David Ugolor for pioneering Leadership in extractive sector governance
ABUJA, NIGERIA. February 6, 2026 – The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) is proud to announce that the 2-day Public Presentation and Policy Dialogue on Addressing Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector concluded with the presentation of an Award of Recognition to Rev. David Ugolor, in honor of his outstanding contributions to the extractive sector and his pioneering role as the first convener of the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Campaign in Nigeria, now known as the Resource Justice Network.
In a message at the conferment of the award ceremony, the National Coordinator of the Resource Justice Network, Dr. Erisa Danladi, stated: “I sincerely appreciate Rev. Ugolor for his pioneering service and dedicated leadership as the first National Coordinator of PWYP Nigeria. Your tenure laid a strong foundation for the growth, credibility, and relevance of the campaign. Beyond structures and systems, your work inspired many of us within the network to remain steadfast in speaking truth to power and amplifying community voices. The impact of your leadership continues to reflect in the strength of the coalition and its sustained engagement at both national and sub-national levels.”
In his response, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev David Ugolor extended his gratitude to the past and present leadership of the Resource Justice Network, including Dr. Erica Danladi, National Coordinator of the Resource Justice Network and Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, for their continued dedication to promoting transparency and resource justice in the extractive sector of Nigeria. “ANEEJ reaffirms its full support for the leadership and ongoing work of the Resource Justice Network in ensuring that Nigeria’s natural resources are managed for the benefit of communities and citizens” – Rev. Ugolor said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of ANEEJ, Prof. David Iyoha, said:
“We celebrate Rev. David Ugolor’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in natural resource governance. His pioneering work laid the foundation for what is today a strong and respected coalition advocating for resource justice across Nigeria.”
The award ceremony and dialogue mark another milestone in ANEEJ’s commitment to advancing good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sector, while acknowledging individuals whose visionary leadership has shaped the sector for the better.
Recall that the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Campaign in Nigeria is a civil society initiative launched by ANEEJ in 2004 to promote transparency, accountability, and citizens’ participation in the management of Nigeria’s natural resources. Since its inception, the network has played a critical role in advocating for the disclosure of revenues and payments in the extractive sector, fostering reforms, and ensuring that communities’ benefit from the country’s mineral wealth. Over the years, the campaign has evolved into the Resource Justice Network, continuing its work to strengthen governance, support citizen engagement, and combat corruption in the extractive sector.
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