By Sunday Apah
The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), a non-governmental organization, is taking a stand against environmental challenges such as oil spills and plastic pollution in the Niger Delta region.
Mr. Maimoni Mariere Ubrei-Joe, the Director of Climate and Energy Justice for EDEN, made this known during the inauguration of the organization’s new office on Edoge Street in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.
He emphasized that the opening of the office aims to enhance environmental monitoring efforts throughout Delta State and underscores EDEN’s dedication to advocating for environmental protection.
Ubrei-Joe noted, “Several oil-producing communities have faced pollution issues, often going unreported. A recent incident in the Britannia-U area of Focadus exemplifies this problem, and we were instrumental in alerting the relevant authorities to the spill.”
He stressed the importance of taking legal frameworks and international treaties seriously for effective environmental stewardship.
He pointed out that while Nigeria has regulations, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NODSRA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), many of these laws fall short in holding companies accountable.
“The lack of effective enforcement has resulted in ongoing pollution with minimal repercussions for violators.
“Unfortunately, local communities sometimes refrain from reporting spills, often influenced by financial incentives from oil companies.
“This is why EDEN is dedicated to exposing environmental hazards and ensuring accountability among operators in the region.”
In addition to addressing oil spills, Ubrei-Joe highlighted that EDEN will also tackle issues such as plastic pollution, illegal logging, deforestation, dredging, and coastal erosion, particularly those exacerbated by climate change.
“While the oil and gas sector poses significant challenges in the Niger Delta, plastic waste is also a critical environmental concern that we will address in partnership with CODAF through our zero waste initiatives.”
Comrade Alagoa Morris, the Deputy Director of EDEN, also spoke at the event, stating that “EDEN is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and protecting human rights.
“We aim to support our communities by amplifying their voices and gathering data to ensure prompt responses from the appropriate authorities regarding environmental issues.”
He added, “We welcome collaboration with all stakeholders, including government bodies, communities, and civil society organizations, to draw global attention to the environmental challenges facing the Niger Delta region.”
