Bayelsa Deputy Governor Urges NESREA to Intensify Environmental Cleanup and Enforcement

Bayelsa Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has called for stronger action by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to tackle the worsening environmental degradation in Bayelsa State. Speaking during a visit by NESREA officials to Government House, Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo described Bayelsa as the “headquarters of environmental pollution” in the Niger Delta, with environmental damage surpassing that of the Ogoni region in Rivers State after over 60 years of crude oil exploitation​.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that pollution from oil spills and seismic activity has severely contaminated water bodies, rendering aquatic life and drinking water unsafe for many rural communities. He urged NESREA to move beyond mere joint investigation visits to oil spill sites and collaborate closely with Bayelsa’s government to ensure strict enforcement of environmental laws that hold oil companies accountable for their impact on the ecosystem​.

Additionally, Ewhrudjakpo raised concerns about the uncontrolled use of herbicides by local farmers, highlighting the health risks posed by chemical contamination in food crops. He called for greater public enlightenment to address these hazards​.

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In response, NESREA’s Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mr. Stalin Nwakwoala, highlighted ongoing sensitization efforts on environmental pollution, bush burning, deforestation, and land degradation. He appealed to the state government for support, particularly in providing basic office equipment to enhance the agency’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively​.

Ewhrudjakpo also tasked NESREA with expanding employment opportunities for Bayelsans within the agency and strengthening public awareness campaigns on pollution’s detrimental impacts. He vividly described the pollution intensity, noting that in some areas, the water is visibly stained with crude oil, and residents consume contaminated fish and seafood as a result​.

This call to action underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts between regulatory authorities and the Bayelsa State Government to address the profound environmental challenges threatening the Niger Delta’s health and livelihoods​.