Bayelsa Most Polluted State in Nigeria, Says Environmentalist, Nnimmo Bassey

Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, the executive director and founder of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), has declared Bayelsa to be the most polluted state in Nigeria due to hydrocarbon extraction related to crude oil and gas. This revelation comes from a capacity building and sharing event held at the Nembe City Hall in Bayelsa State. According to a report from the Bayelsa State Oil And Environment Commission published in May 2023, Bayelsa suffers from a per capita oil pollution rate of 1.5 barrels of crude oil.

Bassey also brought up the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assessment of Ogoni land in River State, which conducted a thorough study from 2009 to 2011. The assessment revealed the extent of oil pollution and its long-term consequences. The report, commissioned by the Nigerian federal government, involved extensive fieldwork and laboratory analysis in four local government areas of Ogoni: Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme.

Bassey urged oil companies to cease the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Niger Delta region, noting its treatment as a sacrificial zone since the 1950s. He expressed concern over the extensive negative impacts of oil and gas extraction, including deforestation and coastline erosion.

Mr. Godson Jim-Dorgu, the Head of Administration for Nembe LGA, reported that the area has suffered greatly from oil spills and other actions of oil companies, affecting their fish and farm produce. He called for remediation of the environment destroyed by oil companies.

Dr. Pulemote, Director of Primary Healthcare in Nembe LGA, highlighted the health issues arising from oil exploration in Nembe, such as pregnant women experiencing anemia due to negative impacts on their livelihoods. He urged the governments at the federal and state levels to ensure proper action in Nembe, as the region has been disproportionately affected by oil exploitation.