By Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
A non-governmental organization, the International Working Group on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta (IWG), has expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of oil pollution on the environment and public health in Bayelsa State, describing the situation as highly traumatic and alarming.
The group made its concerns known on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa, as part of its ongoing sensitisation campaign on health hazards associated with oil pollution in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Professor Engobo Emeseh of the Law Faculty, Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom, lamented the declining life expectancy in Bayelsa, attributing it to prolonged exposure to contaminated land, air and water.
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Professor Emeseh explained that the IWG’s advocacy focuses primarily on public health, in line with recommendations contained in the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission Report submitted in 2023.
According to her, laboratory analyses conducted on blood samples collected from residents across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa revealed alarming levels of hydrocarbon pollution and carcinogenic metals, contributing to increased mortality and disease rates.
She commended the Bayelsa State Government for pioneering the establishment of a high-powered oil and environmental commission, describing it as the first of its kind by a subnational government in Nigeria.
Professor Emeseh noted that despite the formal conclusion of the Commission’s work in November 2024, members remained committed to sustaining advocacy and intervention efforts.
She said, “When we presented our findings after extensive consultations across Bayelsa State, many of us in the expert working group were deeply traumatized by what we discovered. That was why we described the situation as an environmental genocide.”
She further acknowledged the state government’s support in enabling the Commission to conduct its work and pledged continued collaboration with relevant organisations to address the environmental and health crisis.
Responding on behalf of Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe described the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission Report as a critical policy document for addressing environmental degradation and its health implications in Bayelsa and the wider Niger Delta.
Akpe appreciated the IWG for sustaining its partnership with the state government and making its expertise available to support environmental remediation and public health initiatives.
He stressed that the Commission’s report remains a “living document” whose recommendations continue to guide government policies and interventions.
“The Commission’s report remains one of our most important documents concerning the environmental condition of our state and the wider Niger Delta. For us, it is not a closed chapter but a living document that must continue to guide concrete actions,” he stated.
The deputy governor also called on the Federal Government and international organisations to treat oil pollution in Bayelsa as a special case requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.
He assured the IWG of the state government’s full support for its planned health research and engagements aimed at improving environmental conditions and healthcare delivery.
The six-member IWG delegation included Dr. Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou of ODI Global UK, Professor Michael Watts of the University of California, Dr. Isaac Osuoka and Professor Anna Zalik of York University, Canada, as well as Dr. Caitlin Strong of ODI Global, United Kingdom.
