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Pollution: One Billion Oil Released into the Niger Delta Ecosystem- Coalition Laments
Pollution: One Billion Oil Released into the Niger Delta Ecosystem- Coalition Laments
… Invites Tinubu to Visit Region to See Level of Devastation
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has been asked to personally visit the Niger-Delta region in order to have a firsthand information on the devastating effect of oil spillages in the region.
Addressing a press conference on the cleaning up of the Niger Delta and resolving the prevailing environmental genocide on Friday in Abuja, a coalition of civil society organisations and stakeholders, Coalition for a Cleaned Niger Delta (CCND), claimed that a billion
litres of crude oil equivalent have been released into the Niger Delta ecosystem as the price paid by communities in the area for Nigeria’s oil production.
The team which was led to the press conference by Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, and Founding Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD),
Otive Igbuzor, said: “We trust our president is well aware that the ecosystem of the Niger Delta has for about seventy years been plagued by unprecedented perennial pollution from petroleum production activities, enabled or worsened by a highly dysfunctional, conflicted and compromised environmental regulatory system, since the country struck commercial oil in the Oloibiri Province prior to Nigeria’s Independence. This festering devastation has projected and ranked Nigeria’s Niger Delta among the worst oil and gas polluted regions in the world.
“By the very limited official records of Nigeria’s spill detection body (National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency – NOSDRA), there were 16,263 (sixteen thousand, two hundred and sixty-three) oil spills within the 17-year period of 2006 to 2023.
“This accounted for about 823,483 (eight hundred and twenty-three thousand, four hundred and eighty-three) barrels of oil spilt, equivalent to 4,103 (four thousand, one hundred and three) tanker trucks or 130,933,797 (one hundred and thirty million, nine hundred and thirty- three thousand, seven hundred and ninety-seven) litres of crude oil, from NOSDRA data. These figures are a fractional slice of the reality, as they exclude 5,456 (five thousand, four hundred and fifty-six) spills for which the spiller companies did not provide NOSDRA with estimates of spilled quantities. Besides, estimates are usually and “understandably” grossly suppressed by operators. Data for some mega spills, like the Aiteo blowout at OML 29 that lasted for 38 (thirty- eight) days in November-December 2021, are also omitted.
“Furthermore, it would be noticed that NOSDRA’s conservative spill statistics cited above do not include data for all of 50 (fifty) years from 1956 when Oloibiri Well 1 was spudded, till 2006 when NOSDRA was created. We also omitted gas volumes flared continually for 68 (sixty-eight) years, and the equally deleterious millions of barrels of toxic effluents/“produce .water” discharged untreated into the rivers, swamps and mangroves as waste in the course of production. If allowance is made for these omissions and non-disclosures, easily one billion litres of crude oil equivalent have been released into the Niger Delta ecosystem as the price paid by communities there for Nigeria’s oil production.”
The Coalition while narrating the plethora of infractions done to the environment in the Niger Delta for over six decades, said: “Considering the apparent failure of a long line of Presidents, Petroleum and Environment Ministers, and Chief Regulators, to recognize the indescribable gravity of this ravage, its severe socioeconomic and security repercussions for Nigeria, and to comprehensively resolve it, we invite Mr President to pay a spot visit, along with the relevant Ministers and Regulators, and possibly the National Security Adviser, to some of the following locations, which are too few as examples of devastation, to see for yourself: Polobubo and Ogulagha in Delta State; Ibeno, Mbo and Ikot Ada Udo in Akwa Ibom State; Awoye in Ondo State; Bille, Obagi and Rumuekpe in Rivers State; and Gbarain/Ekpetiama, Nembe,Aghoro and Otuabagi (where Nigeria’s pioneer oil wells are located) in Bayelsa State.”
They warned that: “Amidst the global dynamics of the 21st Century, and particularly in the context of
climate change/action, Nigeria cannot continue to act as if ignorant of the importance of its biodiversity endowments and ecological imperatives. There are many countries we can benchmark, which produce more oil, gain far higher revenues from it, but still jealously and profitably protect their environment and ecosystems. Norway which has a trillion-dollar Sovereign Wealth Fund from petrodollars (and population of 5.5 million, against
Nigeria’s 228 million) is a prime example, but ensures its waters stay pristine, enabling its robust fishing and marine industries. Scotland and the UAE among others.”
The Coalition stated that: “We trust that Mr President and the government are mindful of Nigeria’s numerous commitments to international treaties and conventions, including those on universal rights, environmental and indigenous people’s rights, and climate change. Mr President’s commitments to a world audience at the UN Climate Conference (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, barely four months ago are also fresh in mind. A genuine action to cleanup the Niger Delta will be an excellent progress report for Nigeria, and particularly for Your Excellency, as the world gathers again at the next Climate Conference, COP 29, in about six months from now.”
They further said: “The protracted social injustice of funding national development at such extreme ecocidal expense of communities in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, or communities wherever else in Nigeria, needs to be urgently redressed, without any pretences as witnessed under previous Administrations. With the ongoing divestment of their remaining onshore holdings in Nigeria by the major international oil companies (IOCs), and their huge outstanding environmental liabilities thrown into legal uncertainty, thereby portending further risks and escalation of social tensions for communities, the time for Mr President to act as the Protector-in-Chief of Nigerian communities is now.”
The Coalition said: “We recommend that to resolve the environmental crisis and create an unprecedented legacy in the Niger Delta and Nigeria in general, amongst other cardinal priorities, the following actions should be taken:
The President should Issue an Executive Order creating a Niger Delta Environmental Remediation Programme and Trust Fund. This can be either independent of or domiciled in the extant Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) currently overseeing the cleanup of Ogoni Land, but with a separate Trust Fund from the Ogoni Trust Fund, an expanded Governing Council and an unimpeachable Management system designed to avoid the contradictions that have historically bedeviled HYPREP and the debatable progress of the Ogoni Cleanup. The tasks of the Programme would include a definitive health audit besides the standard environmental audit of impacted areas.
“Adoption of the National Principles on Divestment and Decommissioning in the Nigerian Oil Industry in line with the one recently compiled by a wide coalition of community, civil society and international organizations, following extensive field missions and engagements in the Niger Delta.
“Panacea for Oil Theft and Asset Vandalization: To avoid or minimize re-pollution, optimize production and abate associated insecurity, enact a carefully
articulated approach to this economic crime (based on broad and in-
depth stakeholder consultations, which we are prepared to be part of if required). The new strategy should be preventive,
proactive, inclusive, accountable, and lookbeyond current official reliance on state and non-state military methods that can often be tragically counterproductive, as results have shown intermittently.”
In order to fund the interventions, the Coalition suggested a combined action with the Federal Government’s financial latitudes, the primary funding should be from the operators and JV partners in oil/petroleum leases, based on credible costings for remediation within their respective acreages and in line with
the universal Polluter Pays Principle (PPP).
“Additional funding sources could include: the Environmental Remediation Fund created but yet to be operationalized under the Petroleum Industry Act, gas flare penalties paid by operators, part of theexisting Ecological Fund, at least to cover immediate region wide impact and cost assessments; a portion of the statutory funds of the Niger Delta Development Commission, whose statutory mission expressly includes an ecological/pollution resolution mandate that is largely neglected since
its inception; Decommissioning liabilities and restoring funds in oil mining agreements and international environmental, climate and impact funds/resources that can be leveraged through appropriate strategies and channels.”
Pollution: One Billion Oil Released into the Niger Delta Ecosystem- Coalition Laments
Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu
By: Yahaya Wakili
Millions of naira were realized at the Unveiling Potentials of Kukar-Gadu, Launching of History of Kukar-Gadu Book, Presentation of Kukar-Gadu Physical Development Plan, and Commissioning of Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative at Kukar-Gadu town of Yobe state.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative (KEDI), TPI, Barnabas Atiyaye, said the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative was triggered by Victim Support Funds’ (VSF) proactive intervention activities chaired by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma from inception to its closure in 2024.
He said through KEDI, we aim to create opportunities where there was once struggle to restore hope, where there was once despair, and to build bridges where there was once division. We are resolved to work for a Kukar-Gadu that is empowered, self-reliant, forward-looking, and united. We desire to be a springboard for the development of not only the Kukar-Gadu or Fika local government area, but the entire Yobe state and, by extension, the nation.
Mr. Barnabas revealed that the master plan of Kukar-Gadu is more than a technical document; it is a covenant with the future, a clear roadmap that defines how we as a community shall shape the physical, social, and economic destiny of our community, and it will also provide guidance for infrastructure, housing, agriculture, education, commerce, and environmental sustainability.
“The history of Kukar-Gadu” is more than a collection of dates and events. It is the story of our fathers, their struggles, their courage, their triumphs, and their faith. It tells of the foundations upon which we now stand, and in commissioning this book, we are not only honoring our past, we are preserving it for generations yet unborn.
Atiyaye appeals to individuals, schools, libraries, and government institutions to obtain copies of this book; it serves as a source of knowledge and inspiration for our youth so that they may know their roots and carry our values forward with pride. We pray that this book will keep alive the spirit of unity, courage, and progress that defines Kukar-Gadu. Ameen.
Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ali Adamu Tikau (Talban Tikau), ably represented by Professor Dauda Abubakar, said that to have the Emir of Fika, along with the Emir of Pataskum, along with representatives of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, the representative of the Senator of the National Assembly, and many other personalities to come to this village in the Fika local government area, I will say that we are so excited and very proud of what is happening today.
He said the launching of the history of Kukar-Gadu is also a milestone at the program, and it is one of the highlights. It was a book written by Malam Ibrahim Sara Bangalu, who is also a son of Kukar-Gadu, and I had the opportunity of editing the book and making the necessary corrections before it was taken to press. It is a history that will help us reflect on who we are as a people. When a people do not know their history, when a people do not know where they come from, they will easily get lost. That is the purpose of launching.
“I would say that Kukar-Gadu, Goya district, Fika local government, and Gudi are places that are very special because of the type of educated people they have produced. I am a product of this community, and I am a living testament to the opportunities this community gave me, and I believe many are benefiting from it.
Also speaking, the district head of Goya, Alhaji Musa Garba Daya, said what the people of Kukar-Gadu did has become a big challenge to all the people of Goya district; they broke the record and urged the people to wake up to create something for the betterment of the people.
“If you observe, they print a master plan of Kukar-Gadu and focus on many years ahead. So this initiative—I am so impressed with it because it will help for the fiscal planning of the area for over ten years, as Alhaji Musa Garba Daya said.
According to him, the people of Kukar-Gadu are also commissioning the Empowerment Development Initiative, which was triggered by Victim Support Funds (VSF), chaired by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, and I appreciate it so much because these will greatly assist both our youth and women of the area.
Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu
ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has raised serious concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill, warning that the budget could worsen Nigeria’s debt burden and further sideline key social sectors critical to poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
In its review of the ₦58.18 trillion budget proposal, the organisation said the 5.8 per cent increase over the 2025 approved budget does not sufficiently address long-standing fiscal and structural challenges. Instead, it noted that the financing plan, size of the deficit, and sectoral priorities pose risks to fiscal sustainability and accountability.
ActionAid Nigeria expressed particular concern over the continued extension of budget implementation timelines, which has resulted in the 2026 budget running alongside extended 2024 and 2025 budgets. According to the organisation, operating multiple budgets simultaneously weakens transparency, limits effective legislative oversight, and increases the risk of mismanagement of public funds, especially for capital and social sector projects.
The group, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, also pointed to repeated post-submission changes by the National Assembly, including upward adjustments to allocations without secured funding sources, as a key factor contributing to funding gaps, delayed releases, and the rollover of projects across fiscal years.
On the fiscal outlook, ActionAid Nigeria highlighted that the proposed 2026 budget projects revenue of ₦34.33 trillion against total spending of ₦58.18 trillion, leaving a deficit of ₦23.85 trillion. It described the figure as the largest deficit in Nigeria’s history, representing sharp increases over the 2024 and 2025 deficits.
It warned that heavy reliance on borrowing, without strong investment in productive and social sectors, could deepen inequality and constrain long-term development.
ActionAid Nigeria said that despite government claims that education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and security are priority areas, lamented that allocations to social sectors remain inadequate.
Mamedu, in the statement, noted that education allocated ₦3.52 trillion, about six per cent of the total budget, and health receiving ₦2.48 trillion, just over four per cent—are both far below international benchmarks, and in contrast with defence allotted spending standing at ₦5.41 trillion.
The organisation also faulted the budget for failing to address underemployment and poor-quality jobs, particularly among women and rural populations, noting insufficient investment in agriculture, rural infrastructure, and women-led enterprises. It further warned that weak funding for social protection programmes could worsen hardship for millions of Nigerians facing rising living costs.
ActionAid Nigeria also criticised the late submission of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, Fiscal Strategy Paper, and the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a breach of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The organisation urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to end the practice of running multiple budgets, strengthen fiscal discipline, reduce dependence on borrowing, and significantly increase funding for education, health, agriculture, and social protection.
It stressed that Nigeria cannot overcome poverty through debt-driven spending, but through a people-centred and accountable budget that prioritises human development.
ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal
NSCDC Nabs Three Suspected Infrastructure Vandals in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory have arrested three young men suspected of vandalising public infrastructure in Abuja.
The suspects were intercepted near the National Stadium area close to the National Hospital along Constitution Avenue during intensified patrols carried out as part of yuletide security operations.
According to the NSCDC, the men were allegedly caught in possession of damaged road safety installations, which they were believed to be preparing to transport from the area. Recovered items included several road crash barriers and a heavy-duty hammer.
The suspects were identified as Abdulsalam Aminu, 25, Mustapha Sale, 26, and Suleiman Sani, 19, and they are currently in custody while investigations is said to continue.
Speaking on the development, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the arrests were part of deliberate efforts by the command to protect critical public assets, particularly during festive periods when vandalism and theft often spike.
He lamented that public infrastructure provided to enhance safety and improve living conditions is frequently targeted by criminals for personal gain, describing such acts as a major threat to public welfare.
Odumosu stressed that the corps would remain relentless in safeguarding government facilities including roads, bridges, crash barriers, power installations and other vital infrastructure across the territory.
The commandant warned individuals involved in vandalism to desist or risk prosecution, noting that the agency would enforce the law without compromise. He also urged residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities to help curb the destruction of public assets in the FCT.
NSCDC Nabs Three Suspected Infrastructure Vandals in Abuja
Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu
ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal
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