The Clean Ecosystem Foundation, a civil society organization, has urged the Nigerian government to approve a $100 billion compensation for the environmental damage caused by oil exploitation in the Niger Delta over the past several decades.
This call is part of a report following a month-long assessment conducted by seven environmental experts who visited nine oil-producing states in the region.
The foundation highlighted that years of oil extraction have caused irreversible harm to local livelihoods and the environment. It argued that the compensation would help reduce tension and despair in the area.
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Isaac Onome, the foundation’s executive director, stated that the fund is urgently needed to address issues such as health care, the restoration of endangered species, and the revitalization of agriculture and fishing, which have been severely impacted over the last 65 years.
Onome emphasized the need to collaborate with both local and international organizations to pressure the federal government into approving the compensation.
He also expressed concern about the loss of vital protein sources and the harmful effects of pollution from oil and gas activities. During their assessment, the team interacted with over 5,000 people, conducting medical and soil tests, and concluded that the region’s condition is dire.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Onome noted that these initiatives failed to address the longstanding injustices faced by the region.
The foundation also pointed out the severe health issues affecting residents, including cancer, skin problems, low birth weight, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders, which are linked to pollution from the oil industry.
In conclusion, Onome emphasized the need for a long-term, sustainable approach to resolve the environmental, health, and economic crises in the Niger Delta, asserting that current efforts have not adequately reached or supported most affected residents.
