World Environment Day: MAJI Advocates Data-Driven Solutions To Environmental Pollution

0

PORT HARCOURT – The Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI), an environmental advocacy group, has called for stronger adoption of data-driven solutions in addressing environmental pollution and strengthening climate action.

Marking World Environment Day 2026, themed “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” MAJI said, the theme reflects the environmental situation in the Niger Delta, where prolonged oil exploration, industrial activities and human-induced pollution have severely impacted air quality and worsened public health conditions.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, MAJI’s Environment and Conservation Lead Project Officer, Ikechukwu Ahaka, said the organisation remains committed to protecting nature and promoting evidence-based climate action through stakeholder capacity building, real-time environmental monitoring and data-driven advocacy.

Ahaka said MAJI’s Strengthening Data for Climate Action in Nigeria (SD-CAN) project, supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund, is delivering real-time air quality data through the deployment of low-cost monitoring devices across communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

He explained that the automated sensors capture live pollution data, which is analysed and published on the DATACAB environmental portal, providing access to reliable environmental information for communities, civil society organisations, journalists, government agencies and other stakeholders.

According to him, the platform enables users to better understand current air quality conditions, make informed climate-related decisions and strengthen accountability among polluters.

The Environment and Conservation Lead Project Officer added that the initiative has also prioritised capacity building for community actors, government institutions, media professionals, researchers, persons with disabilities and civil society organisations, equipping them to apply data-driven tools for environmental monitoring, protection and governance.

Ahaka said, “Our project, Strengthening Data for Climate Action in Nigeria (SD-CAN), implemented with support from United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), is providing relevant and important real-time air quality data by the deployment of low-cost air quality monitors in communities and localities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers states.

“These automated sensors collect live quality data on pollution, which are analysed and made available on the DATACAB environmental portal.”

“This data-driven platform helps community groups, NGOs, journalists, government agencies, and concerned citizens aware of the current air quality situation make better climate decisions and hold polluters accountable,” he added.

Ahaka further stated that MAJI’s approach aligns with global climate action efforts by promoting open, transparent and accessible environmental data, which enables communities to drive evidence-based advocacy and support policies that safeguard public health and livelihoods across the Niger Delta.

He urged the Federal Government to enforce the ban on gas flaring, describing it as a major source of environmental pollution, climate change and the erosion of livelihoods in host communities.

Ahaka called for stronger stakeholder engagement and wider public sensitisation in both rural and urban areas affected by climate change, while urging oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to end oil pollution and gas flaring.

He said, “We call on the Federal Government to end all forms of gas flaring, which has already been criminalised in Nigeria, as it contributes significantly to environmental pollution, with severe impacts on lives, livelihoods and the climate.

“We urge environmental agencies and relevant stakeholders to adopt technological tools and inclusive strategies to strengthen environmental protection.

“We also call on the Federal Government to reinforce environmental regulatory agencies with the necessary policies, manpower and technology to ensure effective enforcement of environmental laws.

“MAJI calls for multi-stakeholder collaboration and inclusive awareness campaigns for rural and urban communities affected by climate change, and urges oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to stop indiscriminate oil pollution and gas flaring activities.”