Nnimmo Bassey Calls for Environmental Justice in Niger Delta

Nnimmo Bassey, the Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), called on political leaders in the Niger Delta to prioritize environmental justice, accountability, and ecological restoration. He made this statement during the guest lecture at the 8th Graduation Ceremony and Annual Leadership Lecture of the Kebetkache/Centre-LSD Leadership School in Port Harcourt.

Bassey described the environmental crisis in the Niger Delta as a matter of justice and accountability, noting that decades of oil exploration have resulted in polluted waters, damaged farmlands, and lost livelihoods for local communities. He criticized the extractive economic model as colonial and urged voters to demand concrete environmental protection plans from candidates.

Bassey cited environmental emergencies, including oil-well fires and gas eruptions, as requiring urgent action. He emphasized the need for greater inclusion of women and marginalized groups in environmental decision-making and warned that Nigeria's pursuit of critical minerals could lead to further environmental destruction.