NDDC Emphasises Integrated Strategies For Sustainable Ecosystem Restoration In Niger Delta

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has stressed the urgent need for integrated strategies to achieve sustainable ecosystem restoration in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

This call was made during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Niger Delta Consultative Forum in Port Harcourt.

Engr. Onuoha Obeka, NDDC Director of Environmental Protection and Control (EPC), highlighted the critical environmental challenges facing the region, including oil spills, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change.

He emphasised that the forum, established in 2021 to support the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2020-2030), provides a crucial platform for collaboration and the development of actionable strategies.

The forum brought together environmental scientists, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to share expertise and experiences.

Obeka stated that the vibrant biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Niger Delta are under threat, making integrated approaches paramount.

He expressed hope that the discussions would lead to the identification of best practices, assessment of current challenges, and the creation of strategies aligned with a shared vision for a sustainable future.

Several state commissioners for the environment echoed the need for collective action. Mr. Philemon Ogbonda (Abia State) advocated for introspection and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations, recommending regular environmental assessments.

Mr. Jamani Ejiro (Delta State) lauded the NDDC’s efforts but stressed the importance of tackling root causes of degradation, such as gas flaring and illegal crude oil mining, through stringent law enforcement.

He further called for targeted interventions to manage natural disasters like flooding, recommending measures such as desilting drainages and controlled dredging.

Ejiro also urged strict adherence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which Delta State Governor Sherriff Oborevwori has reportedly implemented.

Major Emenike (Imo State) outlined several mitigation factors, including public education, tree planting, remedial flood actions, afforestation, urban renewal, and addressing oil and gas spills.

He also suggested rotating future stakeholder meetings across different states to ensure balanced information dissemination.

The consensus among attendees was the urgent need for a unified, multi-pronged approach to environmental protection and restoration in the Niger Delta, acknowledging the significant role of all stakeholders in achieving a sustainable future for the region.