River Ethiope is undergoing the process to become the first river in Africa granted legal personhood status, marking a groundbreaking moment for environmental protection on the continent.
In 2019, the River Ethiope Trust Foundation (RETFON) and the Earth Law Center developed the River Ethiope Rights Act – a draft law granting legal rights to the River Ethiope in Nigeria. These rights include the right to flow unimpeded, maintaining natural biodiversity, protection from pollution, rehabilitation, the right to be heard in court, and the appointment of guardians to enforce its rights.
In 2020, local civilians and businesses successfully secured a Declaration of River Ethiope as personhood with legal rights. This Declaration is being used to secure legislative consideration for the River Ethiope Rights at parliamentary level, with the draft law now under active consideration by Nigeria’s Delta State House Assembly.
In recent developments, the River Ethiope Guardian Council (REGC) has been inaugurated to implement the provisions of the 2020 Declaration. Carefully selected council members have taken their oath of office, formally committing to their role in protecting the river’s rights.
The Friends of the River Ethiope (FoRE) has also been established as an inclusive organization to campaign for the river’s sustainable development. The student chapter of FoRE has also taken their oath, demonstrating growing youth engagement in this pioneering initiative.
Since establishing RETFON in 1992 to address ecosystem degradation and pollution along the River Ethiope, the campaign has significantly increased protections for the river’s ecosystem. When the legislation passes, River Ethiope would become the first African river recognized as a living entity with legal rights, setting a precedent for Nigeria and the entire continent.
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