HEDA Report: Bayelsa Faces Severe Environmental and Health Challenges from Oil Activities

A report by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has highlighted the extensive environmental and health consequences of oil and gas activities in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta.

Titled “Report of On-the-Spot Assessment of Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria,” the findings reveal alarming impacts:

Environmental Pollution:

• 70.2% of residents blame oil and gas operations for pollution.
• Water pollution was the most reported (55.7%), followed by air (23.18%) and soil pollution (15.92%).

Health Impacts:

• 79.24% of respondents suffer health issues linked to pollution.
• Health concerns are particularly severe in Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, and Yenagoa.

Government Accountability and Responsiveness:

• 70.24% say the government fails to hold oil companies accountable for environmental damage.
• 81.94% are dissatisfied with the federal government’s response to community concerns.

Oil Companies’ Transparency and Engagement:

• 72.32% rated IOCs’ transparency in processes as poor.
• 41.52% said communities are not involved in divestment decisions.

Recommendations:
HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, outlined the following actionable steps:

• Stricter Regulation: Enforce environmental laws with tougher penalties for violations.
• Transparency: Increase funding and implement transparent remediation processes.
• Community Involvement: Mandate regular engagements with communities and establish community-led monitoring.
• Health Initiatives: Launch health programs and conduct long-term studies on pollution-related diseases.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Provide fair compensation and support for alternative livelihoods in affected areas.
• Anti-Corruption Measures: Use technology to enhance transparency and curb corruption in environmental management.

The report underscores the urgency of tackling environmental degradation and health crises in Bayelsa State, calling for accountability from International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the Nigerian government.