Port Harcourt – An Environmentalist, Mr Nnimmo Bassey, says the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland is a milestone in the struggle to clean the Niger Delta.
Bassey, Director, Health of Mother Earth, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said the Federal Government`s decision to commence the clean-up was an indication that other communities in the Niger Delta with similar problem, would benefit from the exercise.
“ This exercise will be a milestone in the struggle that has lasted decades to get the Niger Delta cleaned.
“ What the Federal Government is doing is significant because the UNEP Report has shown that Ogoniland was polluted to such an extent that it will require several years to clean-up,” he said.
Bassey said that there are more pollution going on in the Niger Delta and the commencement of clean-up was an indication that such areas would benefit.
According to him, the clean-up will restore livelihood, peace and hope in the Niger Delta.
The Environmentalist said communities affected by pollution had problems like low crop yield, polluted water, hydro-carbon fumes in the air, while residents stand the risk of having health challenges.
Bassey said that the exercise was in the interest of Niger Delta people and there was need for all to embrace it.
“ Those blowing up pipelines should stop immediately because they are degrading the environment.
“ I also plead with the military that if they find an illegal refinery, they should disband and not burn it because burning creates more pollution.
“ It is time to embrace the process of restoration because the exercise will restore the environment and hope for everyone,” Bassey said. (NAN)