Niger Delta

Diri Takes Remediation, Global Sanction For Environment Polluters To UN

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2025

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has taken his campaign against environmental degradation and the impact of climate change on communities in the Niger Delta to the international arena.

Governor Diri made this case for the Niger Delta region while delivering a keynote address on the first day of a fou-day maiden DeltasUnite Summit of the United Nations Convention on Conserving of River Deltas (UNCCRD) at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand.

He said there was need for joint action by the international community to protect the world’s Deltas due to climate-induced environmental changes.

The Tide learnt that the Bayelsa State Governor last advocated for the imposition of sanctions on polluters of the environment and a fund to compensate communities negatively affected by climate change in the oil rich region.

He stated that coastal communities in Bayelsa State and elsewhere in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria were increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, oil pollution and environmental degradation.

Diri, who is also Chairman of the UNCCRD Governance Committee, noted that the time to act was now in order to stem the devastating effects of climate change and the threats to the world’s Deltas.

“Whereas there may be diverse factors affecting the wellbeing and sustainability of the various Deltas across the world, the commonality of our predicament prescribes a joint action.

“There is no doubt that river Deltas worldwide are under threat. But for us in the Niger Delta and Bayelsa, in particular, this is a dire matter of life and death. Over a half century of oil exploration has left a legacy of pollution that not only scars our environment, destroying our Deltas, but also rob our people of their dignity and well-being”, he said.

Lamenting that the extent of devastations was either grossly under-reported or ignored, Governor Diri recalled a major oil spill incident on November 1, 2021 in Bayelsa State.

“The oil well was previously operated by Shell and was acquired by an indigenous oil firm, AITEO. The spillage of crude and associated gas lasted for over 38 days from two points into the creeks and the Santa Barbara River, which serves more than 50 fishing communities in Nembe.

“It took a long time after my intervention and that of the state government before the spill could be controlled. The reason is not far-fetched. As a state government, the laws of our country governing our oil resources are so lopsided that we lack the constitutional requirements to address such oil spill”, Diri added.

He further stated that in 2018, the State Government set up the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which conducted a scientific study detailed in its report: “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa State.”

“The report of the commission, which was started by my predecessor and completed by me, lays bare the catastrophic impact of oil and gas exploration on our communities and habitats.

“The findings are deeply concerning as it states: ‘The rate of child mortality is skyrocketing, and life expectancy is plummeting; 16,000 infant deaths in 2012 and 97% of affected communities facing food insecurity. Additionally, 40% of our precious mangrove forest has been lost due to these spills, pushing us to the very brink of environmental genocide'”, the Bayelsa State Chief Executive hinted.

He also noted that coastal communities in the state on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean were also facing threats from coastal erosion, ocean surge and salt water encroachment from rising high-sea levels.

He also listed some of the communities to include Agge, Orobiri, Bilabiri, Amatu, and Aghoro in Ekeremor Local Government Area.

Others are Ezetu, Foropa, Koluama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, as well as Odioama, Okpoama, Akassa, Twon-Brass, and Sangana, in Brass Local Government Area.

“So, we need urgent and collective assistance to dredge our water courses and erect shore protection, to address the climate crises and protect our most vulnerable communities as the very survival of our people now hangs in the balance”, he noted.

Diri commended the United Nations through its former Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, who rendered assistance to the state during the devastating 2022 floods, coming at a time the Federal Government neglected the state.

He described the global body’s approval of the UNCCRD at COP28 in Dubai in 2023 as “a watershed opportunity in our fight to halt the unrelenting assault on our Deltas.

“The danger is clear and present. Today, I urge this assembly to forge a Global Deltas Action Plan (GDAP) based on three fundamental pillars, which include empowering local communities with decision-making initiatives over climate adaptation policies affecting their lives, investing in nature-based solutions – restoring mangroves, reinforcing riverbanks, and implementing regenerative agriculture.”

He also advocated global climate financing that prioritises the most vulnerable Delta communities and now establishing of a global fund for remediation and restoration, and holding polluters accountable for decades of ecological damage.

Significantly, Diri stated that environmental justice should be recognised not as optional but rather a fundamental human right.

He also urged the UNCCRD not to see the summit’s white paper as just another document but that “it must be a declaration of intent, a binding commitment that the degradation of river Deltas will no longer be tolerated.”

A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Diri, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him asserting the call on governments, multilateral institutions, corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic foundations, and international financial institutions to establish a dedicated budget for the operationalisation of UNCCRD.

The Governor’s statement read in parts: “We cannot build a sustainable future for our Deltas without financial commitment. It is not enough to set policies in motion. We must ensure the resources are available to bring them to life.

“Let this summit also push an agenda for a ‘Global Deltas Day’ when stakeholders and governments reaffirm their pledge to secure the future of our ecosystem.

“We are the guardians of the Deltas, and we will not let it be diminished. Our commonality should not be rooted in victimhood, but in our unyielding spirit, our collective wisdom, and our firm commitment to protecting the Deltas that give us life”.

Delegates at the summit were drawn from about 24 countries with Nigeria represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull.

The Bayelsa delegation included the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Boladei Igali; the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ololo; his Marine and Blue Economy counterpart, Dr. Faith Zibs-Godwin; a Director in the ministry, Mr. Wakedei Ere; and the Technical Adviser on International Development and Liaison, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Tompolo, N’Delta’s Distinguished Son – Oborevwori

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has described renowned Niger Delta activist and former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as a distinguished son of the Niger Delta.
He said Tompolo has made remarkable contributions to the peace, stability, and development of the region and the nation at large.
The Governor, who stated this in a statement recentl by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, at an event marking the 54th birthday of Tompolo, commended the ex-militant for his role as Chairman of Tantita Security Services.
He said “Tompolo’s leadership had been instrumental in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, leading to improved oil production and enhanced national revenue”.
The Governor also acknowledged that both the state governments of the Niger Delta and the Federal Government recognize and appreciate Tompolo’s unwavering efforts in promoting peace and security in the region.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Delta State, I extend my heart-felt congratulations to a true son of the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, on the occasion of his 54th birth anniversary.
“Tompolo has played a vital role in the progress of the oil-rich Niger Delta and has consistently collaborated with regional and federal authorities to sustain peace and development.
“As he celebrates his birth anniversary, it is our prayer that God continues to bless him with good health, wisdom, and strength to further his service to the nation and humanity”, the Governor said.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba

Niger Delta

AfDB President Pledges Investment In C’River’s Health, Agric Sectors

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2025

The Tide

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has pledged significant investment in Cross River State’s health and agriculture sectors.
Adesina made this commitment on Thursday during a state banquet held in his honour by the Cross River State Government, in connection with the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project.
He stated that the AfDB would support the State Governor, Bassey Otu’s efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centres and strengthen the state’s health insurance initiative.
Adesina also encouraged the adoption of a sustainable, franchise-based business model for healthcare delivery to enhance accessibility and improve quality of care nationwide.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the SAPZ project, describing it as a “game-changer” for Cross River’s economy.
“We will help ensure that primary healthcare centres are not only revitalised but also digitally connected to allow seamless access and portability of health records,” he said.
Adesina also lauded the governor’s collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, noting that it positioned Cross River to become a key logistics and industrial processing hub.
In his remarks, Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving economic independence and reducing overdependence on federal allocations.
He identified three strategic development pillars, security, food security, and energy security as essential to unlocking sustainable growth in the state.
The Governor also highlighted plans to integrate Cross River into regional economic corridors with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, while boosting agricultural productivity through large-scale cultivation of cocoa, cassava, and other key crops.

Niger Delta

‘Agro-Processing, Key To Non-Oil Exports, Industrial Growth’

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, has described agro-processing as a critical enabler of Nigeria’s non-oil export drive and industrial transformation.
Enoh said this recently during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Calabar, Cross River State.
According to him, the initiative, driven by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in partnership with the Federal Government and other stakeholders, will it enhance food security and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward industrial prosperity.
“I am glad to report that today the Ministry of Industry and that of Agriculture and Food Security are working together to secure the food prosperity of our countrymen and women.
“The collaboration is also to see the extent to which this can crystallise into industrial growth and development of our country.
“If you look at examples of all countries around the world that have achieved industrialisation, you will notice that they have had to move from agricultural growth, progress and development to attainment of industrial growth and prosperity.
“It is important that everybody understands and appreciates the fact that this event is actually going to crystalise into food security and industrial growth”, he said.
He further said SAPZs were instrumental in converting raw agricultural produce into finished goods for export, thus boosting Nigeria’s GDP and reducing dependence on oil revenue.
“We must move beyond celebrating the export of cocoa beans and start exporting finished cocoa products. That is how to unlock real economic growth”, he stated.
The minister challenged stakeholders to move the country from exporting primary products to processed goods.
“The SAPZ is the game-changer that will help us industrialise, create jobs, and increase exports of made-in-Nigeria goods”, he said.
Also speaking, Mr Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Country Director for Nigeria, said that the SAPZ programme was one of the bank’s top priorities, with over five billion dollars in operations tied to its success.
“When I was deployed to Nigeria six months ago, the AfDB President, Akinwunmi Adesina, gave me a clear mandate, to untangle every impediment delaying the SAPZ.
“Today’s event is evidence of progress”, Kamara said.
He praised the collaboration between the federal and state governments, and development partners including the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
“We are building a full end-to-end value chain that will transform Nigeria’s rural landscape into zones of economic prosperity,” he said.
The National Coordinator for the SAPZ project, Dr. Yusuf Kabir, said that the programme had now reached implementation stage with all transaction advisors onboarded in the eight participating states.
“A zone without investment is a stranded asset. The role of transaction advisors is to ensure these zones attract investors and deliver results,” he said.
Kabir commended the Cross River State government for its swift commitment to the project, noting that Gov. Bassey Otu showed leadership by taking ownership of a project he did not initiate.
“I have met all the governors involved, and he was the only one I did not need to meet twice. He took the project personally and gave it priority,” he said.
The SAPZ in Cross River is part of a broader nationwide initiative aimed at creating agricultural transformation centres that will stimulate private investment, reduce rural poverty, and improve food systems.