Bayelsa Governor Seeks Int’l Intervention In Oil Pollution Remediation

Bight Newspaper reports that Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has met with Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland in London on Thursday, seeking international intervention to address environmental pollution in his state and the Niger Delta region.

Governor Diri presented a 216-page report titled “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Humanitarian and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria” to Baroness Scotland.

The report highlights the devastating impact of oil exploration on the environment and communities.

“The Commonwealth’s dedication to environmental protection is crucial, and we are eager to collaborate in addressing these pressing issues together,”

“We are here because we can achieve so much in terms of the environmental challenges we face by collaborating with your office.” Governor Diri said.

He faulted the 13% derivation to oil-producing states and federal laws on oil and gas exploration, saying they were inadequate to address environmental injustice.

“We are open to dialogue to prevent a double jeopardy for the communities, as well as exploring the legal option, if dialogue fails,” he added.

Governor Diri expressed concern over Shell’s planned divestment from onshore operations without a comprehensive clean-up and remediation plan.

“It is imperative that this transition does not allow the company to walk away from the environmental devastation it has caused over the years,”

“We urge Shell to commit to a comprehensive clean-up and remediation plan before exiting, ensuring that the people of Bayelsa are not left to shoulder the burden of this disaster alone.” Diri emphasized.

He noted that the state government had previously reached a negotiated settlement with Shell on dispute issues and looked forward to opening similar discussions on this issue.

“We are also exploring legal avenues to halt Shell’s divestment until adequate measures for environmental restoration are firmly in place,” he said. “We must protect our communities and their future.”

Lord Sentamu, Dr. Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou, and King Bubaraye Dakolo also spoke at the meeting, urging the Commonwealth to take steps to halt the “environmental genocide” in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta.

The Bayelsa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN, highlighted the inadequacies in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, saying it centralized control of the oil and gas sector, reinforcing the Federal Government’s authority over natural resources, with minimal consideration for the needs and rights of communities and states where the resources are located.

Responding, Baroness Scotland thanked Governor Diri and his delegation for the visit, presentation, and report.

“Oil exploration in Nigeria presents an interesting scenario, as the federal government holds majority stakes in the joint venture arrangement in place,” she said.

“So this is not only about Shell alone. This is something that is politically complex, and as an institution, it is essential for us to promote best practices.” She added

She said a team would examine the report and provide appropriate recommendations to guide all parties concerned.

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