Over 60% of Niger Delta Residents Experience Health Issues from Oil Pollution, Says HEDA Report

A recent study by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has revealed alarming statistics about the health and environmental consequences of oil pollution in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. The report, titled “Leadership Approval Rating: Impact of Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in Six Oil-Producing States in Nigeria,” highlights the severe impact of oil extraction on both local health and biodiversity.

According to the findings, over 60% of residents in the region are suffering from health issues linked to oil pollution. Additionally, 75% of respondents reported significant damage to local biodiversity due to environmental contamination.

The survey, which gathered responses from 1,074 people across six states — Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers — revealed that 70% of participants believe oil and gas activities are a major contributor to environmental degradation. Among the types of pollution, water pollution was identified as the most prevalent, with 41% of respondents witnessing it firsthand.

Health concerns were also prominent, with 61% of respondents reporting negative health effects directly related to oil pollution. The report also indicated that the pollution has severely affected wildlife, with 75% of respondents stating that local species, including fish, animals, and birds, have been negatively impacted.

The survey also pointed to a lack of accountability, with 45% of participants stating that their state governments fail to hold oil companies accountable for the environmental damage, and 76% expressing dissatisfaction with the federal government’s response to environmental concerns.

HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, called for urgent action, urging both oil companies and government agencies to engage more effectively with local communities. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to economic development that prioritizes ecological sustainability. “The call for action is clear; for oil companies and government agencies to engage more proactively with communities, protect the environment, and pave the way for a sustainable future,” Suraju stated.

This report serves as a critical reminder of the ecological and economic challenges facing the Niger Delta region, urging policymakers and stakeholders to consider more responsible practices in oil and gas exploration.

The full report is available on the HEDA website.