In a significant move to protect the environment, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has pledged to tackle oil spills and gas flaring in the Niger Delta region. This commitment was made during the International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition held in Abuja, focusing on advancing the recommendations from the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC).
The BSOEC, led by Hon. John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu, has called for urgent international action. Their goal is to generate and invest at least $12 billion over the next 12 years. This funding is essential for repairing the environmental damage caused by the oil and gas industry and supporting Bayelsa’s transition towards renewable energy and new job opportunities.
Representing the president, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, emphasized the government’s dedication to reducing ecological harm while encouraging economic growth. He stated that the administration is committed to investing in clean technologies and enhancing regulations to protect the region’s rich ecosystems.
During the conference, Mr. Busari Kamoru, Director of Upstream, also reassured stakeholders of the government’s resolve to achieve the 2030 goal for phasing out gas flaring. He mentioned plans to collaborate with Bayelsa State, promising to adopt the commission’s report as a guiding document for future actions.
Bayelsa State Governor Diri Douye highlighted the devastating effects of international oil companies (IOCs) on the local environment, claiming their unchecked activities have harmed rivers and soil. He criticized the low penalties imposed on IOCs compared to their enormous profits, pointing out that while other countries enforce strict environmental regulations, Nigeria often opts for fines instead of effective enforcement.
Governor Douye stressed that Bayelsa contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil wealth, generating over $10 billion annually, yet the local communities see little benefit. He called on IOCs to relocate their headquarters to Bayelsa to ensure they invest back into the communities from which they extract resources. He warned that ongoing neglect could lead to increased unrest among the youth, who demand accountability for their land and future.
Despite these challenges, Governor Douye remains hopeful for a future where Bayelsa and other oil-producing states can heal and thrive, emphasizing the need for collective action and support from global stakeholders. The fight for environmental justice in the Niger Delta requires not just words, but concrete actions and a commitment from all parties involved.
