November 15, 2025

Hen That Lays the Golden Egg”: Niger Delta Communities Testify to Decades of Oil Pollution at People’s Tribunal

Host communities in Rivers State renewed their demand for environmental justice and remediation at a People’s Tribunal, sharing emotional testimonies about collapsing livelihoods, destroyed ecosystems, and continuous neglect by IOCs and the government.

“Hen That Lays the Golden Egg”: Niger Delta Communities Testify to Decades of Oil Pollution at People’s Tribunal

By Naija Enquirer Staff

Communities from across the Niger Delta have renewed their calls for justice, remediation, and recognition over decades of environmental degradation linked to oil and gas exploration. The demands were made during a People’s Tribunal organised by Social Action in Rivers State, where affected residents shared emotional testimonies about the destruction of their environment, declining health conditions, and the collapse of their livelihoods.

The tribunal heard from victims who described years of pollution caused by oil spills, gas flaring, and other harmful activities attributed to international oil companies (IOCs). Residents from Abalama, Rumuekpe, and surrounding communities in Rivers State gathered in Ahoada-East to recount the devastation in their areas.

One of the jurors, Barrister Higher King, a human rights advocate and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Committee, condemned the long-term neglect of the region. “The hen that lays the golden egg does not even have an ordinary egg, not to talk about the golden egg that it is laying,” he said, stressing that both the government and IOCs must take responsibility.

Testimonies painted a grim picture: Tamuno Kalada from Abalama spoke of the persistent effects of toxic materials and hydrocarbons in their waterways, while Engineer Vadi Chimakpam lamented the devastation of their soil, lack of good drinking water, and crude oil lying in their streams. Furthermore, Ikechukwu Jobah, Chairman of the Ogba Egbema Ndoni Hydrocarbon Host Landlords, expressed frustration over the lack of recognition and benefits despite hosting major energy infrastructure, including two of Africa’s largest gas plants.

The tribunal concluded with strong calls for accountability, urging governments and IOCs to provide remediation, address long-standing injustices, and uphold the rights of host communities. It also called on the international community to intervene in addressing the ongoing ecological and human rights crisis in the Niger Delta.