Following the need to maintain sustainable ecosystem restoration in the Niger Delta region, the Director, Environmental Protection and Control (EPC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Engr. Onuoha Obeka, has called for the need to ensure integrated strategies for a safe environment.
Obeka, while speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement under the auspices of the Niger Delta Consultative Forum in Port Harcourt, said that the stakeholders’ engagement underscored the collective commitment of Niger Deltans towards revitalising and preserving the rich ecosystem of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
Furthermore, he hinted that the consultative forum, which was birthed in 2021, came into being with the view of driving the 2020–2030 UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration in the Niger Delta region. He added that this singular act will provide an invaluable opportunity for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
According to Obeka:
“The Niger Delta, known for its vibrant biodiversity and cultural heritage, faces numerous environmental challenges that threaten its sustainability. From oil spills and deforestation to climate change impacts, the need for practical, integrated strategies has never been more urgent.
“I hope that in the course of discussions, we will explore best practices, assess current challenges, and develop actionable strategies that align with our shared vision for a sustainable Niger Delta.”
Moreover, he continued:
“We are privileged to have experts from various fields—environmental scientists, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates—who will share their insights and experiences.”
In his own view, the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonda, said that all acts of men impact the environment and, therefore, advised that all concerned should be introspective when dealing with the environment so as to ensure the sustainability of the environment and that it is not damaged. He emphasized providing solutions that would preserve the environment for future generations.
Ogbonda suggested the idea of periodic environmental assessments, insisting on the importance of all hands being on deck to achieve targeted goals and save the environment for future generations.
Also, in his goodwill message, the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Jamani Ejiro, appreciated the Commission for being at the forefront of environmental restoration, adding that the stakeholders present had a significant role to play in tackling the root causes of environmental degradation, such as gas flaring and illegal crude mining.
However, he urged the Commission to ensure that stringent laws are implemented to tackle the pollution menace in the region, noting that it threatened critical infrastructure.
He also called for serious compliance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori, had implemented in his state.
“There is a need for targeted intervention to tackle natural disasters, such as flooding, by implementing flood control measures, such as desilting drainages, coordinated dredging, and curtailing the illegal building of structures along waterways,” he stated.
While delivering his message, the Imo State Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Major Emenike, enumerated factors that mitigate environmental degradation. He said they included:
– Educating the populace,
– Planting trees and other preventive measures,
– Taking remedial actions on flood sites, and
– Sponsoring afforestation.
“Others are massive education and support for orientation, urban renewal, curtailing oil and gas spillage, provision of adequate publicity, and a change in the mindset that will positively impact the environment.”
Meanwhile, he is of the view that the stakeholders’ meeting should be rotated among the states for balanced information distribution.
NDDC Director Environmental Protection & Control, EPC, Engr. Onuoha Obeka (2nd left), in a handshake with the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Jamani Ejiro (2nd right), during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement in Port Harcourt. Others are the Imo State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation (right) and Director II, Environmental Protection and Control, NDDC, Dr. Henry Okokon (left)
