A one day environmental training workshop and capacity building for Civil Society Groups on Impacts of offshore oil exploration and drilling had ended in Port Harcourt.
In his welcome remarks during the program, the Executive Director Environmental Rights Action (ERA)/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Ojo charged participants to proffer solutions to the impact of offshore to oil exploration and drilling in the Niger Delta which he said has caused more poverty in the region.
Dr. Ojo stated that the oil sector is now facing serious challenges of lack of transparency and accountability, corruption and lack of metering at the point of production of oil and the increase of oil theft and bunkering, noting that the impact of oil extraction activities is severe on the environment as it has threatened the sources of the livelihood of community people, especially in the lowering farm yields and fish production.
The Executive Director ERA stated that civil society organizations should hold governments and companies accountable for the degradation of farmlands, pollutions of rivers and creeks, which the people depend on for survival in the past.
He blamed companies who deny compensation for the host communities which he said further compound their problems.
Explaining further, Dr. Ojo said the UNEP report released on August 4, 2011 only complemented earlier report by civil society groups that oil companies were liable for the destruction of the environment.
Dr. Ojo maintained that the capacity building workshop is therefore a proper channel to get more knowledge and skill to sensitize on the danger of offshore oil exploration and exploitations, while drawing the attention of the group to look for new ways to challenge the authorities and the oil companies on best practices around the globe.
In his presentation on offshore oil exploration and drilling research report, Dr. Fedelis Allen of the University of Port Harcourt charged oil companies to use modern technologies in drilling of oil that will not harm the environment more.
He said oil drilling has done harm to the environment, especially the destruction of the ecosystem.
The lecturer tasked the Nigerian government and the oil companies to make authentic publication on the Bonga Oilfield Spill to assist researchers to know more about the situation.
In his reaction, an environmental scientist, Mr. Augustine Bello remarked that ERA should be involved in facility inspection or regular visits to keep the oil companies on check. The issue of mystery oil spill was also discussed extensively by stakeholders.
Earlier, ERA Director had charged CSO’s to demand environmental accountability and the protection of marine life. It was also suggested that the media and local communities should be mobilized against the wrongful practice of oil drilling in the Niger Delta.
Moris Alagua of ERA Bayelsa office has described the Chevron gas explosion as one of the worst in recent times.
Highlight of the porgramme was group work presentation. ###
Pius Dukor
