Environmental activist and Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Nnimmo Bassey, has called for urgent action to halt the disastrous exploitation of the Niger Delta region through decades of unchecked oil and gas activities.

Bassey made the call on Thursday, while delivering welcome remarks at the 5th Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence (NDAC) held in Uyo.

He bemoaned the worsening environmental and health impacts of oil exploration across the Niger Delta region.

He said the Niger Delta had suffered nearly 70 years of pollution, ecological destruction and economic neglect despite being the backbone of Nigeria’s oil wealth.

According to him, abandoned oil wells and ageing infrastructure continue to endanger communities through persistent oil spills, gas flaring and fires.

Bassey who holds a National honour of Member of the Order of Federal Republic described many abandoned oil wells in the region as “crime scenes,” warning that they remained ticking time bombs capable of causing severe environmental disasters if not properly decommissioned.

He cited several incidents, including the long-abandoned Oloibiri oil wells in Bayelsa State which, he said, still leak crude oil decades after operations ceased. He also referenced the Ororo-1 oil well off the Ondo coast, which has reportedly been burning and spilling crude since an explosion in 2020, as well as the Alakiri wellhead fire in Okrika, Rivers State, which has allegedly burned continuously since 2024.

He accused oil companies of exploiting communities for profit while failing to remediate environmental damage or fulfil responsibilities after the productive lifespan of oil fields ended.

According to him, reports such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assessment of Ogoniland, the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission report, and other environmental studies have consistently documented the devastating effects of oil extraction in the Niger Delta.

Bassey emphasised the need for a comprehensive audit of oil wells in the region, replacement of ageing pipelines, and immediate decommissioning of non-viable oil facilities in line with regulatory standards.

He equally called on the Nigerian government, regulatory agencies and political leaders to prioritise environmental remediation and restoration across the Niger Delta, warning that continued neglect could amount to “environmental genocide.”

The NDAC convener also urged communities and stakeholders to unite in demanding accountability, environmental justice and sustainable development for the region.

He said the convergence would continue to advocate policies and actions aimed at protecting the environment and safeguarding the future of generations yet unborn.

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