Opinion

Delay In Implementation of UNEP Report, In Whose Interest?

Published

14 years ago

August 13, 2012

One year after the United Nations Environmental programme
(UNEP), submitted assessment report on Ogoniland, the Federal government is yet
to act on the recommendations of the report which include clean up and
remediation of the area. Our Correspondent, Calista Ezeaku went to town to
sample views on the delayed implementation of the report. Nwuieh Donatus Ken
captured their facial expressions.

Chief Gilbert Warinee – Community Leader

I come from an oil bearing community where we have
precisely, over sixteen oil wells. And the UNEP report was one of the reports
Ogoni people had in the history of the operation of Shell oil company in Ogoni
land. And the entire Ogoni people are not happy over the delay in
implementating that report because it was one of the best scientific reports we
have ever had. And we feel that if that report is implemented, it will do a lot
to benefit the entire Ogoni people. We feel that if that report is implemented,
it will tackle some of the problems we have in Ogoniland.

We are still dialoguing, pleading with government to act on
the report. But at the end of the day, we will not have any other option than
to seek redress because it was one of the best reports we feel that was done to
Ogoni people. So for now, we are still dialoguing and consulting because we,
the Ogoni people are peaceful, we don’t make problems. So we are still pleading
with government to implement that report.

We do not want government to set up any other committee to
look into that report because that report is of international standard, and so
we expect government to come and implement it.

The state government should join the Ogoni people to plead
with the federal government to implement the report. Ogoni belongs to Rivers
State and Rivers State should prevail on the federal government to implement.

I was a member of that UNEP Board. To the best of my
knowledge, I was the focal person in Ogoni land that represented the entire
Khana local government Area. I was a member of the UNEP Consultation Committee.
So I know much about that report, how it started and how it ended and even when
it was submitted. So since after that investigation, we are not happy because
the whole area is polluted, we don’t even have drinking water. And by the
report we had, Ogoni people have lost lives, because the whole area was devastated,
the whole area was polluted. We had expected that by now, even as common as
potable drinking water would have been provided by government. But we are still
drinking the water that make people lose their lives.

So we are not happy. We want government to immediately
implement that report, Shell had always said that all that happened in Ogoni
land was sabotage but by the report, we have seen that Shell was instrumental
to all the pollution, all the devastation we have in Ogoni land, because for
donkey years Shell has been operating in the area and has not done anything to
alleviate the sufferings of the people. And so, both Shell and the federal
government should come together and implement that report.

Alhaji Umaru Sornda Ewunee, an artist

On the issue of that UNEP report, we can see that the
Federal government is delaying, Shell is delaying. They know the lives of the
Ogonis are at stake here. All our environment, our sources of existence have
been devastated by the pollution and for them not to come and clean up the
area, it then means they don’t regard us. This was what Ken Saro Wiwa was
talking about before he was killed. And the continued delay of this clean up is
really affecting us. We really want them to come and clean up the area because
it is affecting us. For example, in my community, Kpean in Khana LGA, which is
one of the oil producing areas, this thing has been happening.

The first time it happened in 1975, it was like that, since
then the whole community has been suffering from pollution. Our source of
drinking water is polluted because of oil exploration. In 2006, there was
another explosion and it was burning for about six months. For about six
months, the fire was raging and it damaged the environment. So we don’t see why
they should not come and clean up the whole place.

The truth there is that the Ogoni people are going to come
out in protest if they don’t come up with any remedial measure. I believe this
second time we will come out, it will be the end of every thing with the
Federal government. Our first coming out was on January 4, 1993 when the whole
Ogonis came out and protested against the environmental problems caused by
Shell in the area. So if we come out this second time, it is going to be very
serious.

We heard the state government has been sending drinking
water to the people, particularly the Eleme people in tanks. That is
appreciated but for how long can that continue? How can we continue like that?
The best thing they should do is to come and clean up the place to give us good
source of drinking water. Our streams where we used to get drinking water from
are polluted. We don’t have any source of drinking water in my community, the
so-called bore holes sunk by Shell are not working. All that you see there are
just empty over head water tanks. Because of the devastation of the area,
erosion has set in and the whole place is contaminated, including oil spillage
and the rest of them.

So they should come and clean up the place so that we can
start to enjoy normal life again.

Mr. Benedict Tambari – Environmentalist/Politician

The federal government is merely playing politics with the
UNEP report. If not, why should the Federal government come up with another
thing they called Hydro carbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) instead
of implementation of the report that was submitted one year ago.

It clearly shows lack of sincerity on the part of the
federal government. The way the government reacts to environmental issues in
the Niger Delta, particularly in Ogoniland is condemnable.

Why should government be going the way they are going on an
issue that concerns the lives of the people. These are people that depend on
the soil and the rivers for their livelihood. Today, all that have been
polluted as a result of oil exploration that has been going on here for years,
both the federal government and the oil companies are finding it difficult to
compensate the people whose means of livelihood has been damaged and who are
exposed to all kinds of sickness due to the poor environment they dwell in.

Now, let me remind government that the youth restiveness in
the Niger Delta started because of the government’s total neglect on the
region.

You cannot oppress the people and mete out injustice on them
and expect them to keep quiet. I pray government should not push the Ogonis too
far. We are bonafide citizens of this country and should be treated as such.

Eucharia Somiari – Pepple, Lawyer

The United nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), does not
have to come to this place to tell us what and what not to do. Ordinarily, it
is clear, we know what to do. Clean up has to be done.

We should have carried out our own investigation on
Ogoniland to know the depth of damage that has been done. We should have done
that not to get people from abroad to do that and in reparation they would have
scooped the land, and remove all that affected area and use other fresh soil to
replace the damaged soil. The particular company that owns that field should
have done that.

The beneficiaries of that field, should have done the
reparation to know the extent of damage. That is their responsibility.

The compensation is not only in cash. What is compensation?
Compensation is bringing back a person to the position the person was before
the damaging incident took place . So, how was the soil before that incident
took place? You have to bring back that soil to what it used to be before that
incident.

The legal implication of the delay in the implementation of
that UNEP report is that they have not done anything.

They were supposed to do something before UNEP came. UNEP
has come and made some pronouncements and written to them, they are not still
taking a decision, the Ogonis should seek redress. And how will they seek the
redress? They need to seek redress with the court, with the UNEP report. And if
they have independent people, specialists that have tested the soil and made
their reports, they should join their report with the UNEP report and seek
redress.

So, I think the Federal government should set up a panel to
look into that UNEP report and take a decision concerning it. They have to
really look into that report because the people are still the way they are, and
they are Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from. So, it is very
important they look into that report.

Mrs Lilian Okonkwo, a journalist

I’m sorry to say this, but I see the delay in implementation
of the UNEP report as something usual. It is the Nigerian style. Of course, we
know that the period a report is approved and the period of implementation
could be two years, three years. And so, this is not a different case. It is
our style.

But having said that, I think it’s unfortunate, because the
Ogoni issue is an issue that needs urgent attention, talking about cleaning up
the place because the people are suffering. You will hear there is no water for
drinking. The place is polluted. And so, I think that this issue should not go
the way other issues go in Nigeria, because we know that the Ogoni case is
supposed to be a special case. It is one of the major issues that have caused
problems in Niger Delta. So if an international body has looked at the
situation there and said certain things should be done, those recommended steps
should be taken. It should not go the Nigerian way. There should be an
improvement from this Nigerian factor. The recommendation should be carried out
without delay.

The state government and the Niger Delta Development
Commission (NDDC), should work towards the fast implementation of the report
because it will enhance the living standard of the people. If there are ways
the state government can ameliorate the sufferings of the affected communities
by establishing one or two things for them, it will be highly welcomed.

Mr. Godspower Nwoke, teacher.

Sometimes it really bothers me the way things are going on
in this country. God in his own wisdom deposited the oil in the Niger Delta,
but instead of the people of the Niger Delta benefitting from the oil, we are
being exposed to all kinds of diseases as a result of the oil exploration while
the resources are used and squandered by those in power and as well as used to
develop other parts of the country.

When the UNEP report was submitted last year, we saw it as a
good thing coming to Ogoni land. We were even hoping that the scientific report
done in Ogoni will be extended to other communities in the Niger Delta whose
farm lands, water and the entire environment have been damaged because of oil
actitivites going on there.

And for federal government to sit on the report for over one
year now, is rather very unfortunate.

Opinion

Tackling Nigeria’s Health Sector Challenges

Published

5 days ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A nation’s health system is not measured by promises made, but by the quality of care available to its people when they need it most.” mm

Every year on April 7, Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Health Day, a day dedicated to reflecting on global health challenges and strengthening healthcare systems. The occasion, which marks the anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO), is often accompanied by speeches and policy declarations highlighting government efforts in the health sector. This year was no different. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving healthcare delivery. Across the states, governments showcased their interventions, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara reiterating efforts to position Rivers State as a health tourism hub. While such declarations may inspire hope, they also raise an important question: how much of this commitment is reflected in the daily realities of ordinary Nigerians?

Despite years of promises and reforms, the nation’s health sector remains burdened by structural deficiencies, inadequate funding, and policy inconsistencies. The result is a system struggling to meet the needs of a growing population. One of the most pressing challenges is the continued migration of healthcare professionals. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other skilled personnel are leaving the country in large numbers in search of better remuneration, improved working conditions, and greater career opportunities abroad. This persistent brain drain has widened the gap between available healthcare workers and the population they serve. With too few professionals left to cater for millions of Nigerians, hospitals are overstretched, waiting times are longer, and the quality of care is often compromised. Rural communities suffer the most, as many health facilities lack qualified personnel, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic medical attention.

Closely linked to this challenge is inadequate funding. For decades, budgetary allocations to health have remained below internationally recommended levels. Consequently, many public hospitals operate with obsolete equipment, poor infrastructure, and shortages of essential medicines. In several facilities, healthcare workers are compelled to improvise under difficult conditions, reducing the effectiveness of service delivery. The high cost of healthcare is another major concern. With only a small percentage of Nigerians covered by health insurance, most citizens pay for medical services directly from their pockets. For many households already grappling with economic hardship, healthcare expenses can be overwhelming. As a result, people often delay treatment, resort to self-medication, or seek help from unregulated providers, worsening health outcomes and deepening poverty.

Healthcare inequality between urban and rural areas further compounds the crisis. While major cities generally have better-equipped hospitals and a higher concentration of medical professionals, many rural communities are served by underfunded or non-functional primary healthcare centres. This imbalance leaves millions of Nigerians without access to quality healthcare and reinforces existing social and economic disparities. Industrial disputes have also become a recurring challenge. Strikes by healthcare workers, often triggered by unpaid salaries, inadequate welfare packages, and poor working conditions, continue to disrupt services and put lives at risk. The recent suspension of a nationwide strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors over salary arrears, hazard allowances, and residency training funding once again highlighted unresolved issues within the sector.

Another serious concern is the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard drugs. Weak regulatory enforcement allows fake medicines to find their way into the market, undermining treatment outcomes and endangering lives. Tackling this menace requires stronger oversight, stricter sanctions, and improved coordination among relevant agencies. Addressing these challenges demands more than ceremonial speeches or periodic interventions. Healthcare is not a luxury; it is a fundamental component of national development. A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social stability, and sustainable growth. The theme of this year’s World Health Day, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking and investment in innovation. Advances in medical science, digital health technology, vaccines, and diagnostics have transformed healthcare globally.

Nigeria must position itself to benefit from these innovations through increased investment in research, technology, and partnerships involving government, academia, and the private sector. More importantly, there must be sustained political will to implement reforms. The Federal Government should increase budgetary allocations to health, strengthen institutions, and ensure effective implementation of healthcare policies. State governments must also recognize their responsibility in delivering quality healthcare and invest accordingly. Retaining healthcare professionals should be a top priority. Better remuneration, improved working conditions, opportunities for career advancement, and incentives for service in rural communities would help reduce the exodus of skilled personnel. Expanding health insurance coverage is equally critical to reducing out-of-pocket expenses and making healthcare more accessible to vulnerable populations.

Strengthening primary healthcare is another urgent necessity. As the first point of contact for most Nigerians, primary healthcare centres must be adequately equipped, properly staffed, and effectively managed. Investments at this level would improve health outcomes, reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals, and bring healthcare closer to the people. Ultimately, the condition of a nation’s health sector reflects its priorities. A government genuinely committed to the welfare of its citizens cannot afford to treat healthcare as an afterthought. As Nigerians mark World Health Day, attention must shift from rhetoric to action. The challenges facing the sector are well known, and the solutions are within reach. What is needed now is bold, sustained, and sincere commitment to reform. The health and wellbeing of millions of Nigerians depend on it.

2): At 59, Rivers’ Agropotential Lost?

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Quote: “No society can sustainably prosper when it neglects the sector that feeds its people, creates jobs, powers industries, and secures its future.”

As Rivers State marks 59 years of its creation, there is every reason to celebrate its achievements in politics, infrastructure, commerce, education, and human capital development. Yet, amid the celebrations, one critical question demands attention: what has become of agriculture, once a major pillar of the state’s economy? Before crude oil became dominant, farming, fishing, and livestock production sustained livelihoods across communities such as Etche, Ikwerre, Ahoada, Ogba, Abua, Kalabari, Andoni, Opobo, Khana, Gokana, and Tai. Families depended on proceeds from cassava, yam, cocoyam, maize, vegetables, oil palm, fish, and other agricultural products to fund education, support households, and drive local commerce. Recognising agriculture’s importance, successive governments introduced programmes aimed at increasing food production and modernising farming.

Investments were made in extension services, fish farming schemes, livestock development, youth empowerment initiatives, and farm settlements. One notable intervention was the Songhai Farms project in Bunu-Tai, established to train young people in modern integrated farming and agribusiness. Governments also distributed improved seedlings, fertilisers, fishing equipment, and supported cooperative societies to encourage productivity and value addition. Despite these efforts, the outcomes have largely fallen short of expectations. Many projects suffered from inadequate funding, poor implementation, or policy discontinuity. Programmes launched by one administration were often abandoned by another, resulting in wasted resources and unrealised goals. At the same time, the dominance of oil revenue reduced interest in agriculture.

As opportunities expanded in the oil and gas sector, many young people abandoned farming, which gradually became associated with hardship and poverty rather than prosperity. Environmental challenges further weakened the sector. Oil spills, gas flaring, flooding, erosion, and pollution have damaged farmlands, rivers, and creeks across the state. Communities that once relied heavily on farming and fishing have seen productivity decline due to ecological degradation. These challenges continue to discourage investment and limit agricultural growth. Today, Rivers State faces a troubling paradox. Despite its vast arable land, abundant water resources, favourable climate, and large consumer market, it relies heavily on food supplies from other parts of Nigeria. Tomatoes, rice, vegetables, fish, and poultry products consumed in local markets are often transported from distant states. This dependence exposes the state to rising transportation costs, inflation, supply disruptions, and food insecurity.

Whenever insecurity, flooding, or fuel price increases affect transportation networks, food prices in Rivers State rise sharply, placing additional pressure on households. These realities highlight the urgent need for an agricultural renaissance. At 59, Rivers State must relaunch agriculture not as a political slogan but as a strategic economic priority. Such a relaunch should begin with a comprehensive agricultural master plan that transcends political administrations. Agriculture requires consistency and long-term commitment, since farmers invest over seasons rather than election cycles. Youth participation must be central to this new vision. Modern agriculture is increasingly driven by technology, mechanisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Greenhouse farming, aquaculture, poultry production, food processing, hydroponics, and agritech solutions have transformed agriculture into a profitable business globally.

Rivers State can establish agricultural incubation centres where young people receive training, access to land, start-up support, and mentorship, thereby creating a new generation of agripreneurs while tackling unemployment. Access to affordable finance is equally important. Many farmers struggle to secure credit because of stringent lending conditions. Government can partner with financial institutions to create specialised agricultural financing schemes offering low-interest loans and flexible repayment options. Strengthening cooperatives would also improve farmers’ access to resources, markets, and modern inputs. Infrastructure development remains critical. Good road networks linking rural communities to urban markets would reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses. Investments in storage facilities, cold rooms, processing centres, and rural electrification would improve productivity and profitability.

Particular attention should be given to aquaculture. With its extensive rivers, creeks, wetlands, and coastline, Rivers State has enormous potential to become a major fish-producing hub, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imports. The oil palm subsector also presents significant opportunities. Before the oil boom, the Niger Delta was renowned for palm oil production. Revitalising plantations and supporting smallholder farmers can stimulate agro-industrial development, increase export earnings, and strengthen rural economies. Beyond economic gains, agricultural revitalisation offers important social benefits. Increased food production can lower food prices and improve nutrition. Job creation can reduce poverty, youth restiveness, and rural-urban migration. Agriculture also supports a wide range of value-chain activities, including transportation, processing, packaging, marketing, and equipment maintenance, creating multiplier effects throughout the economy.

Communities where young people are productively engaged are generally more stable and secure. Food security has become an increasingly urgent national concern. Recent economic challenges and inflationary pressures have exposed the risks of relying heavily on food supplies from distant locations. A state that can feed itself is better positioned to withstand economic shocks and uncertainties. As Rivers State celebrates its 59th anniversary, the occasion should inspire renewed commitment to agricultural development. The state possesses the land, water, climate, manpower, and market needed for success. What remains is the political will, strategic planning, and sustained investment required to unlock these potentials. The future prosperity of Rivers State cannot depend solely on oil revenues whose fortunes fluctuate with global market forces. Diversification is no longer optional; it is an economic necessity.

Fifty-nine years after creation, the message is clear: Rivers State must return to the land—not as a retreat to the past, but as a bold investment in a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable future. Agriculture remains one of the surest pathways to food security, employment generation, inclusive growth, and economic resilience. The seeds of that future already exist in our soil. What is needed now is the collective determination to cultivate them.

Opinion

At 59, Rivers’ Agropotential Lost?

Published

5 days ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “No society can sustainably prosper when it neglects the sector that feeds its people, creates jobs, powers industries, and secures its future.”

Opinion

Monthly Environmental Sanitation Imperative

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A clean environment is not a government gift; it is a civic duty that protects our health, preserves our cities, and reflects our national character.”

For many Nigerians who grew up in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, the last Saturday of every month followed a familiar pattern. Roads were deserted, markets closed, and residents swept compounds, cleared gutters, cut overgrown weeds, and disposed off refuse. The monthly environmental sanitation exercise became a national ritual that promoted cleanliness, discipline, and civic responsibility. As an environment correspondent about two decades ago, I joined officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment on sanitation monitoring tours across Port Harcourt and surrounding communities. Although enforcement officers were sometimes accused of excesses, the exercise succeeded in creating public awareness about the importance of keeping our surroundings clean. Over time, however, the practice faded away in many states.

In its absence, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocked drainages and environmental neglect became increasingly common. Today, heaps of waste line roads, markets and motor parks, while gutters clogged with plastics contribute to perennial flooding. Given the mounting environmental challenges facing Nigerian cities, there is no better time to revive environmental sanitation. Its return is no longer a matter of nostalgia; it is a practical necessity for public health, environmental safety, and sustainable development. Poor sanitation remains a major cause of disease. Stagnant water and uncollected waste create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies and rodents, increasing the risk of malaria, cholera, typhoid and other infections. Floodwaters contaminated by refuse also expose communities to serious health hazards.

Rapid urbanisation has worsened the situation. Cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja are expanding faster than their waste management systems can cope. As populations grow, so does the volume of waste generated daily. Monthly sanitation exercises can help rebuild environmental consciousness. Beyond cleaning streets, they remind citizens that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. They also offer an opportunity to educate children and young people about hygiene, public health and community participation. Critics argue that the old sanitation policy restricted movement and was sometimes abused by security personnel. Those concerns were valid, but they do not invalidate the concept itself. Rather than abandon it, governments should reform the programme to make it more humane, participatory and transparent.

That is why the recent decision by the Lagos State Government to reintroduce monthly sanitation deserves commendation. Even if participation is largely voluntary, the move sends a strong signal that environmental responsibility must be taken seriously. Other states should emulate this initiative. In Rivers State, the Rivers State Waste Management Agency has intensified efforts to improve waste collection and restore Port Harcourt’s reputation as the Garden City. Reintroducing monthly sanitation would complement these efforts and deepen public involvement. At the federal level, policies such as the Digital Waste Marketplace, the Plastic Waste Policy and the National Waste Management Network are commendable. However, environmental sanitation remains one of the most direct and visible ways to mobilise citizens toward cleaner communities.

The exercise, however, must be supported by efficient waste management infrastructure. Citizens cannot be expected to maintain clean surroundings if there are inadequate waste bins, irregular refuse collection, and limited recycling facilities. Governments at all levels should invest in modern waste management systems, properly fund sanitation agencies, and promote recycling programmes. Waste sorting should become standard practice to reduce the volume of refuse ending up in landfills and drainage channels. Countries such as Singapore, Sweden and South Korea have demonstrated that waste can become a valuable economic resource. Recycling industries in these countries create jobs while protecting the environment. Nigeria can adopt similar strategies and turn waste into wealth.

Environmental laws must also be enforced consistently. Regulations against illegal dumping exist in many states but are rarely implemented. Offenders should face penalties, but enforcement must be fair and free from extortion. Urban planning is another critical factor. Poor drainage systems, overcrowding and inadequate sewage infrastructure worsen sanitation problems. Governments must prioritise road construction, drainage maintenance and orderly urban development. Markets deserve particular attention. They generate enormous quantities of waste every day, yet many lack organised disposal systems. Local councils and market associations should work together to establish effective waste collection arrangements in commercial centres. Religious institutions, schools, traditional rulers and civil society groups also have important roles to play.

Environmental responsibility should be taught and reinforced as a social value. Community leaders can help change attitudes by consistently promoting cleaner habits. This issue is even more urgent in an era of climate change. Flooding, erosion and extreme weather events are already threatening many Nigerian communities. Poor waste disposal worsens these challenges by blocking waterways and reducing urban resilience. A clean environment also offers economic benefits. Well-maintained cities attract investors, tourists and businesses. Reduced disease outbreaks lower healthcare costs and improve productivity among workers and students. More importantly, cleanliness reflects national values. A nation that allows public spaces to deteriorate projects an image of disorder and neglect. Nigerians deserve cleaner streets, healthier neighbourhoods and safer communities.

Reviving environmental sanitation will not solve all environmental problems overnight, but it can serve as a powerful starting point. Combined with effective waste management, public education and stronger infrastructure, it can restore environmental consciousness across the country. Ultimately, environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. Government must provide leadership, infrastructure and enforcement, while citizens must demonstrate discipline and civic commitment. From disposing of household waste properly to keeping drains free of obstruction, every Nigerian has a role to play. If Nigeria is serious about protecting public health, reducing flooding and building livable cities, the return of monthly environmental sanitation is a step whose time has come.

By: Calista Ezeaku