A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) have attributed the scarcity of food in oil producing communities of the Niger Delta to pollution occasioned by what they described as the reckless exploration activities of oil companies.
The CSOs made the observation during a one-day workshop tagged ‘Empower2Sustain’, organized by Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR) supported by the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) and Oilwatch Africa (OA) in Akwa Ibom State.
They decried the devastation of the earth and the green environment, expressing fear of impending food crises in the Niger Delta.
Speaking, the Executive Director of NAPPDRR, Emem Edoho, harped on the need to salvage the earth and restore the green environment for good agricultural practices and food sufficiency by embracing agroecology.
According to him, “We recognise the transformative potential of agroecology and food sovereignty, by embracing such practices, we can revitalise our ecosystems, promote biodiversity and ensure that our communities have control over their food systems.
“This is not just about food security, it’s about reclaiming our autonomy, preserving our cultural heritage, and building a more just and equitable society.”
The special guest and Chairman of Esit Eket LGA, Mrs Uduak Ikemesit Ikot, who was represented by the Supervisory Councilor for Environment, Imoh Jonah, enjoined participants to come out with enforceable resolutions that would safeguard and protect the environmental ecosystems from further degradation for agricultural purposes.
The Village Head of Ntak Inyang in Esit Eket LGA, Chief John Ekwere, urged participants to do their utmost in drawing the attention of government and other concerned stakeholders to the devastating impacts of gas flaring, methane emissions and other anti-earth practices, including deliberate deforestation by human activities which render the environment useless for agricultural practices.
The conference resolved that “the settlors or International Oil Companies (IOCs), should be held to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA); demand for gas flaring pollution and environmental management plan in line with the section 103 and 104 of the PIA”.
“Let’s fight for environmental justice and stronger community engagement and accountability. Air pollution is reported as the greatest cause of deaths globally and we must support energy transition,” they added.
