Fish (file image)
Williams: The insecurity in the Niger Delta is fueled by the pollutions and neglect of the host communities and their frustrations as producers of the golden egg but have nothing to show for it
By Valentine Amanze
Nigeria’s economy is set to worsen with the looming fish scarcity in the Niger Delta region.
The AIbom Oil Producing Community Development Network (AKIPCON), a non-govermental organization, which raised the alarm, decried the worsening environmental pollution caused by oil spills and gas flaring, sea piracy and insecurity.
Founder and President of AKIPON, Ufot A. Phenson, stated this during the public presentation and launch of the book, “State Security Management, Hydrocarbon Pollution, Environment and Implications on Human Rights in Nigeria”, in Uyo on September 5, 2024.
In his presentation, Ufot lamented that gas flaring and incessant oil spills had forced many fisherfolks to abandon the fishing occupation, as the water bodies and aquatic life have been disrupted by oil and gas leaks.
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Ufot also warned that the unchecked pollution including the most recent in Ibeno Local Government Area of the state, would worsen the food crisis that locals are already facing and force many into crime.
He accused the government of not doing enough to ensure the protection of the environment and the livelihoods of the common people, as oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom Stte and the Niger Delta areas had been subjected to high levels of poverty, without the required infrastructural development.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Chima Williams, said that the book was timely and captures in clear and understandable language the situation in most communities in the Niger Delta where oil is mined.
Williams further disclosed that the insecurity in the Niger Delta was fueled by the pollutions and neglect of the host communities and their frustrations as producers of the golden egg but have nothing to show for it.
The EDEN executive director opined that the solution to the environment crisis in Akwa Ibom, like much of the Niger Delta must start with a comprehensive environmental audit to determine the amount of destruction of the ecosystem to come up with holistic solutions.
He described the author of the book as eminently qualified to x-ray the issues bedeviling the Niger Delta oil belt and proffer solutions as one who has traversed the public service and now engaging with the impacted peoples at the grassroots.
Chima Williams was also honoured by AKIPON with an Award of Excellence, in recognition of his exemplary leadership role in environment justice and human rights in the society.
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