Environmental Experts Recommend $12 Billion for Bayelsa Remediation at Niger Delta Conference

$12 Billion Needed for Bayelsa Remediation, Say Experts at Historic Abuja Conference

By Peter Mazzi | November 6, 2024

For decades, the Niger Delta, one of Nigeria’s most ecologically vibrant regions, has suffered the consequences of relentless oil extraction. From contaminated rivers to toxic soil, the environmental damage has been staggering. At the recent International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta: Advancing the Recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission held on October 30, 2024, in Abuja, stakeholders from across Nigeria and around the world gathered to address these issues head-on. The conference, organized by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Social Action Nigeria with support from the Ford Foundation, outlined a path forward for the region and called for accountability from international oil companies (IOCs), the Nigerian government, and the global community.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses: A Shared Call for Justice and Action

The conference commenced with a welcome from Reverend Nnimmo Bassey, Director of HOMEF, who highlighted the enduring environmental injustices in the Niger Delta. “The Niger Delta’s ecological crisis is a scar on our conscience,” Bassey stated. He underscored the need for a sustainable approach, saying, “only a unified commitment can restore the health of these lands, rivers, and the communities that depend on them.”

The opening session featured a powerful video presentation illustrating the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC) report, titled An Environmental Genocide. The report highlights that over $12 billion is needed over the next 12 years to remediate the environmental damage in Bayelsa. The report’s grim statistics and visuals, depicting polluted rivers, barren lands, and ailing communities, set a clear message for the conference: action is urgent.

Lord John Sentamu, Chair of the BSOEC, formally presented the report, emphasizing the profound human, environmental, and economic losses the people of Bayelsa have endured. “Our report sheds light on the magnitude of suffering caused by decades of pollution,” Sentamu said. “It is time for the oil companies that have profited from this devastation to finally step up and take responsibility. We call upon Nigeria and the global community to support Bayelsa in its fight for justice and restoration.”

Special Remarks from Ford Foundation: A Commitment to Equity and Justice

Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of Ford Foundation West Africa, delivered special remarks, underscoring Ford’s commitment to supporting efforts for environmental justice. “This is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of human rights,” she said, highlighting Ford Foundation’s dedication to promoting equity and justice. Aniagolu-Okoye emphasized the need for sustained partnerships and highlighted the importance of implementing the BSOEC’s recommendations.

Governor Douye Diri’s Address: A Plea for Accountability and Stronger Federal Support

In his keynote address, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State painted a stark picture of the environmental degradation in Bayelsa, referring to the destruction of ecosystems, the contamination of rivers, and the daily impact on local communities. “Our rivers, once bountiful, now lie barren, and our land is poisoned,” he declared. Citing the BSOEC report, Diri noted that 40% of Bayelsa’s mangrove forests have been destroyed, and pollution and gas flaring caused over 16,000 neonatal deaths in 2012 alone.

Governor Diri also voiced frustration over the limitations imposed by the Land Use Act, which restricts state control over subsurface resources. “This law gives with one hand and takes with the other,” he lamented. Diri appealed to the federal government to reform the act and empower Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states to manage resources more effectively and safeguard their environments.

Federal Government’s Commitment to Combat Pollution

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, was represented by Mr. Busari Kamoru, Director of Upstream in the ministry. Kamoru conveyed the federal government’s dedication to reducing pollution and fostering sustainable environmental practices. “We are committed to prioritizing the wellbeing of the Niger Delta over mere profit,” he said, emphasizing the need for long-term environmental protections that will prevent future degradation.

Senator Seriake Dickson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and immediate past governor of Bayelsa, spoke passionately on the need for urgent action. “For too long, our people have borne the brunt of oil pollution,” Dickson said. “It’s time to heal the land that has given so much to Nigeria’s economy.”

Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by Engr. Emeka Woke, Director General of NOSDRA, reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to environmental restoration projects. Woke pointed to the Hydrocarbons Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) as an example but acknowledged the need to scale up efforts. “From environmental destruction, we must transition to restoration,” he said, emphasizing that NOSDRA would continue to strengthen monitoring and regulatory frameworks.

The Voice of Traditional Communities: King Bubaraye Dakolo’s Address

King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, delivered an emotional address on behalf of the communities directly impacted by oil pollution. “For generations, we have sustained ourselves through fishing and farming, and we have always shared a deep connection with our land,” he stated. “But today, our lands are uninhabitable, our rivers unsafe, and our heritage hangs by a thread.”

Dakolo called for urgent action and a halt to all onshore asset sales by IOCs until they fulfill their obligations for cleanup and compensation. “The oil industry has made billions from our resources while leaving us with poisoned soil and polluted water,” he said. “This is not just about environmental cleanup; it’s about justice and dignity for our people. The time for action is now.”

Panel Discussions: Strategies for Environmental Justice and a Just Transition

The conference featured two major panel discussions focusing on the BSOEC report’s recommendations, including corporate accountability, public health, and socio-economic recovery for the Niger Delta.

Panel 1: Environmental Remediation, Corporate Accountability, and Socio-Economic Recovery

Moderated by Professor Anna Zalik of York University, Canada, the first panel explored strategies for large-scale environmental remediation and corporate accountability. Panelists included Engr. Emeka Woke (NOSDRA), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe (NUPRC), Olanrewaju Suraju (HEDA Resource Centre), and Iniruo Wills (former Bayelsa Environment Commissioner), Tengi George-Ikoli (Natural Resource Governance Institute). They discussed the urgent need for advanced technology to improve the accuracy of joint investigation visits (JIVs) and called for increased regulatory oversight.

Suraju emphasized that IOCs should not be allowed to divest without first remediating affected lands. “Divestments must not become a loophole for evading responsibility,” he warned, calling for the federal government to enforce strict regulations to protect the Niger Delta.

Panel 2: Public Health, Socio-Economic Restoration, and the Just Energy Transition

Professor Engobo Emeseh,  Head of the Law School at the University of Bradford, UK, chaired the second panel, where discussions focused on the urgent health and socio-economic impacts of pollution. Speakers included Emem Okon, Executive Director of the Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, Dr. Patterson Ogon of the NDDC, Hauwa Mustapha, Executive Director of Tubali Development Initiative and Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Director of Centre LSD. Panelists agreed that immediate health screenings, improved healthcare infrastructure, and economic revitalization were critical steps for the Niger Delta’s recovery.

Dr. Ogon stressed that the Niger Delta must be part of the global shift toward renewable energy. “This region cannot be left behind in the energy transition,” he said, advocating for international climate financing to support clean energy development in the region.

Closing Remarks: Sustained Commitment and Hope for the Future

Onyinye Onyemobi of the Ford Foundation delivered closing remarks, expressing appreciation for the unity displayed at the conference. “Today’s discussions are a step forward, and we are here for the long haul,” she said. Onyemobi reinforced Ford Foundation’s pledge to support initiatives for justice and equity, calling on all stakeholders to act urgently to implement the BSOEC report’s recommendations.

Dr. Isaac Osuoka of Social Action International also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the conference was not just an event but a movement for lasting change. Osuoka said. “We have heard pledges; now we need action. We will hold all stakeholders accountable and ensure that the BSOEC report’s roadmap is followed.”

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Nigeria’s Environmental Justice Movement

The International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition underscored the severity of the Niger Delta’s environmental crisis. The $12 billion remediation cost, as recommended by the BSOEC report, is a testament to the vast scale of restoration required. Yet, the conference was a powerful reminder that the Niger Delta’s suffering is not in vain. With new commitments from government officials, support from civil society, and global attention, there is hope that the region can finally begin its journey to recovery.

As Dr. Osuoka concluded, “This is not just a call to action for Bayelsa or the Niger Delta; it is a call for justice on a national and global scale. The world is watching, and the people of the Niger Delta deserve nothing less than our full commitment.”

This conference report, with its detailed documentation of the challenges and calls to action, serves as a rallying cry for stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond to transform words into deeds for the Niger Delta’s future.

Governor Diri also announced that approximately 135 Host Community Development Trusts have been approved in alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) passed in 2021, a step aimed at ensuring that local communities benefit from the oil sector. He criticized oil companies for neglecting the environmental consequences of their operations, blaming weak regulatory frameworks for allowing such actions to persist.

 Presentation of Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission Report

A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC) report, which called for urgent action to remediate the Niger Delta. The report documented over 1,000 oil spills in Bayelsa State alone, revealing levels of toxic pollutants many times higher than safety limits. The commission recommended a $12 billion clean-up and remediation effort over the next 12 years, primarily to be funded by oil giants Shell and Eni.

The report’s findings prompted calls for oil companies to invest a significant portion of their profits into restoring the Niger Delta, with an emphasis on remediation, recovery, and reparation. Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa and a key figure in the commission, joined Governor Diri in advocating for immediate action and accountability from both oil companies and regulatory bodies.

 Stakeholder Commitments and Next Steps

The conference produced a comprehensive action plan to address oil pollution in the region and ensure a just transition for affected communities. Key recommendations and commitments included:

1. Bayelsa State Government: Establish a recovery fund, as recommended by the BSOEC report, and set up a structure to implement the report’s recommendations, including comprehensive health screenings for impacted communities.

2. Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC): Strengthen regulations on compensation for oil spills to ensure that affected communities receive adequate reparations.

3. National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA): Improve the joint investigation visit process with advanced technology to accurately assess and document spills.

4. Federal Government: Review laws governing oil and gas operations in host communities and provide Bayelsa State with greater access to ecological funds.

5. International Oil Companies (IOCs): Relocate their headquarters to their operational bases in the Niger Delta and invest in long-term remediation initiatives.

6. Civil Society Organizations: Mobilize for political action, including possible protests, to advocate for the report’s recommendations and monitor the divestment processes of oil companies to ensure accountability.

7. Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC): Support the establishment of the recommended recovery fund to aid affected communities.

Panel Discussions on Remediation and Accountability

Panelists, including prominent environmental advocates such as Dr. Catherine Owaji, chair of the expert working group, and Professor Michael Watts, emphasized the urgent need for systemic change in how the oil industry operates in Nigeria. They discussed the devastating environmental and health toll of oil spills, which have poisoned land and water and reduced life expectancy in affected areas. They further highlighted the importance of adopting international best practices to ensure transparency and fairness in environmental remediation.

Civil society leaders called for a shift from evidence-based advocacy to social movement organizing to strengthen community involvement and pressure for action. Additionally, there was a consensus on the need for improved regulatory oversight and enforcement, with panelists urging NOSDRA to overhaul the joint investigation visit protocol to limit the influence of IOCs.

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In closing, the conference called for collective responsibility to protect the Niger Delta, demanding that oil companies and government agencies implement the recommendations outlined in the BSOEC report.

Governor Diri and other dignitaries reiterated the need for prioritizing health, environmental restoration, and sustainable development to secure a just transition for the Niger Delta. The event concluded with a pledge from stakeholders, including the Ford Foundation, Social Action and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, to continue supporting these vital efforts to bring justice and recovery to the Niger Delta.

In delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Isaac Asume Osuoka, on behalf of the organizers, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and sponsors of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC) and the conference, acknowledging their essential roles in bringing the report presentation to fruition. He extended special recognition to both past and present governors of Bayelsa State for their visionary support of the commission, and to the Ford Foundation for their invaluable backing in making the international conference a reality.