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Guwor urges stricter environmental legislation to curb pollution by multinational and local oil companies in the Niger Delta
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Ijaw Media Conference spotlights hardship faced by farmers and fishermen due to oil spills and degraded farmlands
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Stakeholders warn of rising poverty and insecurity if environmental protection and compliance with global standards are not enforced
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, has called for stronger and more enforceable legislation to safeguard the Niger Delta environment against abuse by oil exploration companies.
Guwor made the call while speaking at the 2nd Annual Ijaw Media Conference organised by the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, IPF, in Delta State, where he stressed that weak enforcement has allowed continuous environmental degradation across oil-producing communities.
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Represented at the event by a former Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Emma Amgbaduba, the Speaker said stricter laws would help prevent further ecological damage and preserve the environment for future generations.
He noted that persistent pollution from oil exploration and exploitation has destroyed farmlands and rivers, leaving fishermen and farmers in severe hardship and food insecurity.
According to him, polluted waterways and degraded soil have crippled livelihoods that once sustained entire communities, worsening poverty and social tension in the region.
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The environmental and economic concerns dominated discussions at the conference held on Wednesday in Effurun, Delta State, with participants warning that failure to protect natural resources would deepen insecurity and undermine national economic stability.
Guwor emphasised that both international and indigenous oil companies must be compelled to comply strictly with global environmental standards and the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.
He identified environmental neglect and social injustice as major triggers of unrest in oil-producing areas and urged host communities to take collective responsibility for protecting their environment.
While acknowledging efforts to combat crude oil theft, the Speaker said the illegal activity has compounded pollution and revenue losses in the Niger Delta.
He added that peaceful coexistence within communities remains essential for restoring investor confidence, attracting development and improving living conditions across the region.
