Bayelsa at 30: The Gas, Water and Wealth That Must Stay Home
As Bayelsa State marked 30 years of existence on 1 October, Michael Kabi argues that Nigeria’s oil cradle must build its next generation on gas, an oil and gas industry
Bayelsa State marks its 30th anniversary on 1 October. Established in 1996, the state was carved out of Rivers State by General Sani Abacha's decree. Despite inheriting a capital with limited infrastructure and eight local governments mostly accessible by boat, Bayelsa has made strides in building essential facilities. The state is home to Shell-BP's first commercial oil discovery at Oloibiri, a swamp that remains a significant legacy.
Since its inception, Bayelsa has constructed five universities, an airport, a medical university, roads, and a 60-megawatt gas-fired power plant. The state's Oil and Environmental Commission, established in 2019, is a commendable initiative for environmental conservation. However, despite these achievements, the outcomes experienced by households have remained limited.
The state's reliance on oil revenues and its vulnerability to climate change pose challenges for sustainable development.
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