By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
An international environmental advocacy group has raised concerns over the health impact of oil pollution in Bayelsa State, warning that prolonged exposure to contaminated land, air and water could be contributing to rising disease rates in affected communities.
The International Working Group on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta made the remarks during a visit to the Bayelsa State Government in Yenagoa.
Speaking during the engagement, the group’s team lead, Prof. Engobo Emeseh of Aberystwyth University, UK, said findings from ongoing health-related research indicated high levels of hydrocarbon pollution and heavy metals in samples collected from communities across the state.
She said the research followed the 2023 Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission Report, which highlighted the environmental and public health impact of oil pollution in the Niger Delta. According to Emeseh, the group is collaborating with stakeholders to address environmental and health concerns linked to decades of oil exploration activities in the region.
Responding on behalf of Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo described the commission’s report as important to the state’s environmental response efforts and called for greater support from the Federal Government and international organisations.
He expressed the state government’s readiness to support further research and engagements aimed at addressing environmental challenges in Bayelsa. The delegation included academics and researchers from institutions in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
