A New Initiative to Combat Oil Re-pollution in the Niger Delta
In a significant effort to address the persistent issue of oil re-pollution in the Niger Delta, a community-centered campaign has been launched by the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD), supported by the True Costs Initiative. The initiative is targeting key areas such as Gokana in Rivers State and Ogbia and Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, aiming to bring about meaningful change.
Focus on Ex-Artisanal Refiners and Local Leaders
The campaign, titled “Mitigating Oil Re-pollution in Niger Delta,” focuses on ex-artisanal refiners, local leaders, and community members. It includes a series of trainings, awareness rallies, and stakeholder engagement activities designed to educate and empower participants.
Prof. Scott Pegg from Timmy Global Health, USA, who serves as the supervisor for the True Costs Initiative, highlighted the urgency of the situation during a training session in Rivers State:
“I have been here long enough to understand the pain of the people. If the land is not restored, the people will remain trapped in poverty. Clean environments are the foundation for healthy lives and livelihoods.”
Hidden Dangers of Oil Re-pollution
Dr. Nubari Nabie, CEHRD’s Project Coordinator, emphasized the health risks associated with oil re-pollution. He warned that re-pollution leads to heavy metals seeping into water and food sources, which can cause serious health issues, including cancer and even death.
Over 180 ex-artisanal refiners and community members were trained across both states, learning about the causes and impacts of re-pollution, tools for advocacy, and the importance of alternative livelihoods. The training aimed to discourage destructive practices and empower participants to hold polluters accountable.
Key Culprits Behind Oil Spills
Dr. Tammy Cookey, the Project Manager, identified sabotage, oil theft, and decaying infrastructure as major contributors to oil spills. She urged communities to take an active role in addressing these issues:
“Communities must stop folding their arms. Whether spills come from sabotage or aging pipelines, the environment and people suffer the same way.”
Support from Stakeholders
Stakeholders from various organizations, including HYPREP, NOSDRA, the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, and civil society groups, have praised the initiative as timely and strategic. A NOSDRA official noted that the project helps fast-track the ongoing Ogoni cleanup and provides a replicable model for the rest of the region.
Grassroots Rallies and Community Mobilization
Grassroots rallies held in Imiringi (Bayelsa), Ikarama (Bayelsa), and Gokana (Rivers) received strong local support. Community members chanted “Say No to Oil Re-pollution!” and called for government and international oil company (IOC) accountability.
Mr. Ranami Afagha, a Youth Leader in Imiringi, Bayelsa State, expressed the community’s concerns:
“Re-pollution affects our lives, economy, and biodiversity. CEHRD has shown us that we must defend our environment if we hope for a better future.”
At Ikarama, His Royal Highness Berebozigha, Paramount Ruler of the federated communities, lamented decades of oil pollution:
“We’ve suffered the highest number of oil spills in this region, some due to corroded pipelines, others with no traceable source. What we need now is urgent support for healthcare and restoration.”
Unified Message Across Communities
From traditional rulers to ex-refiners and women’s groups, the message was unified: Stop Oil Re-pollution. Communities pledged to report spills, resist sabotage, and work with stakeholders to preserve what remains of their land and livelihoods.
This initiative marks a crucial step towards restoring the environment and improving the quality of life for residents in the Niger Delta. By fostering collaboration and empowerment, the campaign aims to create a sustainable future for the region.
