Nnimmo Bassey, born on June 11, 1958, is a renowned Nigerian architect, environmental activist, author, and poet. His extensive involvement with national and international organizations has positioned him as a leading advocate and campaigner for environmental preservation and human rights across Africa.
Bassey’s dedication to environmental causes is evident through his roles as the chairman of Friends of the Earth International from 2008 to 2012 and as the executive director of Environmental Rights Action for two decades. He has been recognized globally for his contributions, including being named one of Time magazine’s Heroes of the Environment in 2009 and receiving the Right Livelihood Award in 2010 and the Rafto Prize in 2012. His commitment to these issues was further acknowledged with an honorary doctorate from the University of York, England, in 2019.
A significant portion of Bassey’s work has focused on challenging the actions of multinational corporations, particularly in Nigeria, where he has campaigned against their exploitation of natural resources and the resulting environmental devastation. His efforts have shed light on the adverse impacts on local communities and their rights.
In 1993, Bassey co-founded Environmental Rights Action (ERA), a Nigerian NGO aimed at addressing environmental human rights issues. He served as ERA’s Executive Director for twenty years and remains actively involved as the chair of its Management Board.
Bassey’s advocacy is particularly outspoken regarding the environmental consequences of oil production in Nigeria and other oil-rich regions. He champions the rights of affected communities and supports movements across sub-tropical African countries facing similar challenges due to the exploration of new oil reserves. Through his leadership and tireless activism, Bassey continues to inspire change and promote environmental justice in Africa and beyond.
