Niger Delta Communities Told to Prepare for Oil Exploration Threats

Niger Delta fishing communities in Cross River State are being urged to prepare for environmental threats associated with oil exploration. The call was made during a training session organized by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF).

The coordinator of PPDF, Umo Isua-Ikoh, stated that the project aims to help communities identify and collectively address challenges affecting their livelihoods and environment. He noted that neighboring oil-producing states have experienced common challenges such as insecurity, declining fish catches, and environmental degradation.

Isua-Ikoh emphasized that while oil production has not yet commenced in Cross River State, the community should learn from the experiences of neighboring states and develop strategies to protect their environment and livelihoods. He mentioned that the project will bring together communities in Esuk Atu, Cross River State, and Akwa Ibom State for exchange visits and sharing of experiences.

The facilitator of the training, environmentalist Idongesit Essien, highlighted various challenges facing fishing communities, including pollution, destruction of mangroves by nipa palm, traditional fish-smoking methods, and climate change. He advised community members to document environmental problems and use lawful advocacy methods to draw attention to issues affecting their communities.