A recent report by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) shows that 60 per cent of the population of Niger Delta residents suffer health challenges due to oil pollution.
The report also show that 75 per cent of the responders suffer huge biodiversity loss due to the devastating impact of oil exploration and environmental pollution in the Niger Delta area.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, HEDA, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju on Sunday in Lagos.
The report is titled “Leadership Approval Rating: Impact of Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in Six Oil-Producing States in Nigeria.”
According to the statement, the survey sampled 1,074 people across six states, including Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers.
“The survey found that 70 per cent of respondents believe oil and gas activities have significantly contributed to environmental pollution.
“Water pollution, in particular, was cited as the most common type of pollution, with an average of 41 per cent of respondents witnessing it firsthand.
“The comprehensive research findings also discovered that 61 per cent of respondents reported negative health effects due to oil pollution, highlighting a pressing need for health interventions and environmental remediation.
“On biodiversity loss, 75 per cent of respondents reported that environmental pollution has affected local biodiversity, including animals, fish, and birds.
“On Government Accountability, 45 per cent of respondents do not believe their state governments hold oil and gas companies accountable for environmental damage.
“While 76 per cent expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s responsiveness to environmental concerns.
Speaking on the findings of the report, Suraju emphasised the need for urgent action, stating:
“The call for action is clear; for oil companies and government agencies to engage more proactively with communities.
“Protect the environment and the people who depend on it, and pave the way for a future that is both economically and ecologically sustainable.”
He noted that the ratings were crucial to evaluating the effectiveness and impact of leases in various capacities and guiding development, enhancing accountability and informing stakeholders.
The statement added that the report’s findings were a stark reminder of the ecological and economic sustainability challenges facing the Niger Delta region.
