The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, has decried the devastating environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region caused by decades of oil extraction.
In a statement released to commemorate the World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, YEAC-Nigeria noted that although the Niger Delta is a major source of Nigeria’s oil wealth and a recognized biodiversity hotspot, it remains one of the most environmentally degraded regions in the world.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC-Nigeria appealed to oil and gas companies operating in the region to drastically reduce gas flaring.
The Centre also urged oil and gas companies to adequately fund environmental restoration projects, such as the Ogoni Clean-up being undertaken by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, and the Bayelsa State Environmental Assessment Report, which is projected to cost $12 billion.
Highlighting the role of the Federal Government, YEAC-Nigeria called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, to enhance its oil spill response capabilities.
In line with the theme of this year’s World Environment Day, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” the Centre advocated for effective plastic waste management strategies.
These include “recycling, waste-to-energy initiatives, and the promotion of biodegradable alternatives through strategic policies and community engagement”.
YEAC-Nigeria further urged policymakers to “encourage investment in renewable energy, sustainable land-use practices, and climate change adaptation measures.”
The organisation concluded by calling on governments, corporations, and individuals to take immediate and coordinated action to tackle Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges.
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