Experts seek action against persistent pollution in Niger Delta

Some Environmental Experts in the Niger Delta have called for urgent interventions towards tackling persistent environmental pollution in the region.

The experts spoke at the opening of the 2026 press week of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists in Port Harcourt.

They stated that that persistent pollution of the environment had led to increased crises and destruction of mean of livelihood.

The traditional ruler of Upata, Felix Otuwarikpo, called for a review of the Petroleum Industry Act.

Mr Otuwaripkpo stated that the law placed responsibility for oil theft and pipeline vandalism on host communities.

He said that although Section 437 of the PIA provided for the use of host communities’ fund to repair oil assets damaged through sabotage, oil companies had continued to rely on security agencies to protect pipelines.

“They do not involving the host communities in safeguarding the pipelines and other oil facilities.

“Host communities should be given responsibility to safeguard the oil pipelines, this will produce a better result,” he said.

Mr Otuwaripkpo blamed most oil pipeline leak in the region on sabotage, and urged the federal government protect the interest of host communities in the Niger Delta.

An environmental activist, Constance Meju, urged journalists to humanise environmental stories, and noted that the environmental crisis in the Niger Delta region was underreported.

“Crime is increasing because the region has lost her sources of livelihoods, relevant authorities are urged to clean up the Niger delta region from pollution, and alleviate the suffering of the people,” she said.

(NAN)