Bayelsa Declared Most Polluted State in Nigeria

Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, an environmental activist and the executive director and founder of the Health of Mother Earth (HOMEF), declared Bayelsa as the most polluted state in Nigeria due to hydrocarbon extraction. He made this statement during a capacity-building event in Nembe Local Government on [specific date not provided].

Bassey referenced a report from the Bayelsa State Oil And Environment Commission published in May 2023, indicating a per capita oil pollution of 1.5 barrels of crude oil. He criticized oil companies for inadequate cleanup efforts in Ogoni land, where a comprehensive environmental assessment was conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) between 2009 and 2011.

Mr. Godson Jim-Dorgu, Head of Administration for Nembe LGA, reported that oil spills have severely impacted local agriculture and fisheries, exacerbating hardships for residents. He called for urgent remediation of the affected areas, particularly following a significant oil spill in Santa Barbara in May 2023 that lasted six weeks.