Niger Delta Communities Demand Full Ecological Restoration

Oil-producing host communities in the Niger Delta have called for the full restoration of degraded lands and waterways, saying years of oil pollution have caused serious environmental damage, health challenges and loss of livelihoods.

The call was made on Thursday during a Community Network and Assembly Dialogue organised by Oilwatch International in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of Oilwatch International, Kentebe Ebiarider, said the gathering marked a shift from simply documenting oil spills and gas flaring to pursuing practical ecological restoration, adding that host communities must lead efforts to reclaim their environment.

Chief Operating Officer of Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD), Alagoa Morris, urged communities to properly document oil spills, gas leaks and other pollution incidents with photographs, videos and Joint Investigation Visit reports to strengthen claims for environmental remediation.

Representatives from Bille Kingdom in Rivers State, as well as delegates from Bayelsa and Enugu states, said gas leaks, flooding, polluted water and poor air quality had affected their health and destroyed fishing and farming activities.

Participants resolved to strengthen community monitoring of environmental pollution, improve documentation of incidents and work with Oilwatch International to present a charter of demands to government and oil companies.

The meeting ended with the inauguration of a committee to coordinate advocacy for ecological restoration across the Niger Delta and ensure sustained engagement with relevant authorities.