Group appeals to Buhari to end environmental degradation, pollution in Niger Delta 

By Fatima Saka

The Fishermen Association of Nigeria and the Niger Delta forums, have called on the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to infuse quick actions on multinational oil companies in putting an end to the environmental degradation and pollution in the region.

Representatives and leaders of Artisan fishermen made this statement at a press conference on Wednesday in Benin, Edo State.

The communities representatives who were victims of Shell Bonga oil spill, asked President Muhammad Buhari to take responsibility for the destruction they had caused over the years.

However, they lamented that the continuous effect of the activities of oil companies had not only destroyed their main source of livelihood, but also posed a serious threat to the people’s health.

Speaking through their lawyer, Chima Williams who is also the Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria and winner of the 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize for Africa, said the group sought a workable solution to the environmental despoliation arising from operations of the oil companies.

Meanwhile, he commended the President for the positive steps towards environmental protection and preservation over the years. 

Williams appealed to the Buhari to ensure that petroleum extractive companies were compelled to live up to their responsibility of restoring the environment.