By Dare Akogun
The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) has raised an urgent alarm regarding the devastating impact of climate change on the Niger Delta region, calling for immediate attention from the Nigerian government and the international community.
This announcement follows extensive investigations, consultations, and interventions by the association.
The Niger Delta, comprising nine coastal states—Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River—has long been plagued by environmental degradation due to oil exploitation.
The region, historically known as the Oil Rivers, is now a prominent example of ecocide, with major oil spills by multinational petroleum corporations causing extensive pollution.
Widespread Devastation
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, CEO of AHOA, highlighted the severe consequences of climate change in communities such as Port Harcourt, Ahoada, Emoha, Opobo, Eleme, and Boro in Rivers State; Ndiya in Ikono, Akwa Ibom State; Aiyetoro in Ilaje LGA of Ondo State; Iwerehkan Community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State; Emereoke Kingdoms in Eastern Obolo LGA, and Oron in Akwa Ibom State; and Oko towns along the River Niger in Oshimili South LGA of Delta State.
“The climate change crises have left behind a trail of tears, fears, crimes, destruction, injuries, deaths, poverty, loss of animal and plant lives, hunger, food insecurity, loss of cultural heritage, and incredible desolation,” said Dr. Adirieje. “The situation has also resulted in internally displaced populations and a virtually irrecoverable loss of opportunities to achieve the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Health and Livelihoods at Risk
The alarm specifically points to the rising sea levels and pervasive soot severely affecting the health and livelihoods of communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. Houses, food, and water sources are increasingly compromised, exacerbating the plight of residents.
In Eastern Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State, rising water levels have forced villagers to relocate frequently. The persistent pollution, erosion, and loss of marine life have led to the abandonment of some areas, along with the loss of communities and cultural identities.
Economic and Social Consequences
AHOA has observed significant economic losses and displacement in Aiyetoro, Ilaje LGA of Ondo State, where about 70% of the land is now underwater. This has resulted in the displacement of over 2,000 residents and high rates of crime due to joblessness, especially among youth and women. Desperate measures, including child selling and violent struggles over scarce land, have been reported.
Food insecurity is prevalent as forests disappear and arable lands become scarce, leading to decreased crop yields, increased hunger, social vices, and poverty.
Call for Urgent Action
Dr. Adirieje emphasized the need for urgent community adaptation strategies, awareness campaigns, and interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change in the Niger Delta. “This is a humanitarian crisis of immense dimensions,” he stated, urging for assistance to both those working in the field and the affected communities.
The Niger Delta requires immediate interventions to understand, adapt to, and mitigate the effects of climate change. AHOA’s call to action underscores the dire need for concerted efforts to save the inhabitants and preserve the region’s environmental and cultural heritage.
