- Story Summary:
- Akwa Ibom State Government to collaborate with the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) to address environmental issues.
- Focus on Oil Spills: EDEN highlighted the severe impact of recent oil spills, especially in Ibeno Local Government Area.
- Calls for Action: EDEN’s Executive Director, Chima Williams, advocated for stronger environmental protection laws and suggested revoking Certificates of Ownership from companies responsible for oil spills.
- Regional Cleanup: Deputy Executive Director Alagoa Morris pushed for a comprehensive environmental impact report and cleanup efforts across the Niger Delta region.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has pledged a robust partnership with the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) to combat the pressing issues of oil spills, mining impacts, and other environmental challenges confronting the state.
This commitment was solidified during a courtesy visit by EDEN’s Executive Director, Chima Williams, to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in Uyo on September 3, 2024. Williams and his team sought to address the severe oil spills affecting local communities, with a particular focus on the recent incidents in Ibeno Local Government Area.
Williams, expressing deep concern for the residents of Ibeno, stated, “We sympathize with the people of Ibeno and other victims of oil spills. The negligence of the extractive industry has caused immense suffering.” He emphasized that both the environment and local livelihoods are casualties of these environmental violations.
“Pollution caused by extractive activities victimizes both the environment and the people, particularly those who rely on the environment for survival and livelihood,” Williams asserted.
He called for stringent environmental protection laws and collaborative efforts to safeguard the community and environment.
Williams further urged, “It is the government’s duty to protect its people. Where the government faces limitations, EDEN can advocate for better laws and regulations to shield host communities from multinational companies.”
He proposed that revoking Certificates of Ownership from companies guilty of environmental damage could serve as a powerful deterrent.
EDEN’s Deputy Executive Director, Alagoa Morris, drew attention to the UNEP report that facilitated the cleanup of Ogoni land.
He noted, “The Ogoni cleanup is only a starting point; it should be replicated across the Niger Delta region.”
Morris also recommended developing an environmental impact report for Akwa Ibom to guide cleanup efforts in the state and the broader Niger Delta region.
He assured the Ministry of EDEN’s ongoing support, saying, “We are committed to collaborating on oil spills, mining activities, and environmental protection to advocate for appropriate actions and ensure a clean environment.”
In response, Mrs. Iquo Abia, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, commended EDEN’s dedication and resilience. “We appreciate EDEN’s work and are ready to collaborate on the issues raised,” she stated. Abia also outlined ongoing investigations into the Ibeno oil spill by the ministry and NOSDRA, and supported the idea of revoking Certificates of Ownership for erring companies.
Abia further expressed concern over the recent National Assembly Public Hearing on Mining, criticizing the exclusion of state and local governments from the process. “States and local governments are key stakeholders in environmental and mineral resource issues,” she remarked.
She concluded by affirming Governor Udom Emmanuel’s commitment to environmental safety, stating, “The governor is keen on collaborating with EDEN to protect the environmental rights of Akwa Ibom residents.”
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