By Abdullahi Lukman
Renowned environmental activist Dr. Nnimmo Bassey has called on the Nigerian government and stakeholders to urgently implement climate action in the Niger Delta to combat severe pollution and build a resilient future for the region.
He made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at the Niger Delta Climate Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking on the theme “Building a Resilient Future: Climate Action and Community Empowerment,” Bassey highlighted the region as one of the most polluted on the planet, citing decades of oil spills, gas flaring, and environmental degradation documented in reports including the Ogoni Environmental Assessment by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2021.
He revealed that pollution has penetrated deep into the soil, with hydrocarbons reaching depths of up to 10 meters, while about 14 million cubic meters of natural gas are flared daily in Bayelsa alone, releasing harmful toxins linked to cancer, respiratory illnesses, and acid rain.
Bassey emphasized that effective climate action in the Niger Delta requires comprehensive environmental and health audits, followed by cleanup efforts and reparations for affected communities.
He stressed the need to halt gas flaring, reverse divestment policies, and empower local communities through renewable energy, food sovereignty, and resilient infrastructure development.
The activist urged that integrating community control with adaptation and mitigation strategies is vital to restore environmental health and protect vulnerable populations in the Niger Delta.
