Bayelsa Laments Six Decades of Oil Pollution, Demands Tougher Action from NESREA
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has renewed calls for urgent and aggressive environmental regulation, warning that more than six decades of oil pollution have driven many communities to the brink of ecological collapse.
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Bayelsa Field Office, at Government House, Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor described the scale of environmental destruction in the state as alarming and unprecedented.
He lamented that the situation has deteriorated to the point where “in many communities, you can dip your hand into the river and bring it out stained with crude oil.”
Bayelsa: ‘Headquarters of Pollution’ in the Niger Delta
Ewhrudjakpo characterised Bayelsa as “the unfortunate headquarters of environmental pollution in the Niger Delta,” noting that the state continues to suffer the harshest impacts of crude oil exploration despite contributing significantly to Nigeria’s oil output.
“For over six decades, our people have suffered the worst environmental injustice. We cannot continue to live with polluted water, poisoned soil and devastated livelihoods,” he said.
The Deputy Governor highlighted how contamination has affected water bodies, seafood, farmlands, and the general health of residents, calling the situation a long-standing humanitarian and ecological crisis.
Call for Stronger Enforcement by NESREA
Ewhrudjakpo urged NESREA to intensify collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government and adopt a more forceful approach to environmental enforcement. He stressed that the era of routine inspections and mild interventions must end.
“NESREA must go beyond visiting spill sites. We need stronger action. Every polluting company must be held fully accountable under Nigeria’s environmental laws,” he stated.
He called for stricter penalties, better surveillance, and proactive measures to prevent further degradation of the state’s fragile ecosystems.
Herbicide Misuse Raises New Health Concerns
The Deputy Governor also raised concerns over the increasing misuse of herbicides by local farmers, warning that improper handling of such chemicals poses severe risks to human health.
“These herbicides do not only kill weeds. When misused, they endanger human health. We will intensify sensitization across our communities,” he added.
He directed the NESREA field team to work closely with the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor and the Commissioner for Information to strengthen public awareness campaigns and enhance enforcement efforts across the state.
Commitment to Environmental Protection
Ewhrudjakpo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to defending Bayelsa’s environment for future generations, pledging continued collaboration with regulatory agencies and civil society groups.
“Together, we will defend our environment and secure a healthier future for our people,” he said.
