Some environmental experts have decried worsening environmental degradation in the South-South region and called for the proper utilisation of ecological funds to address the challenges.
The stakeholders, who reacted to a reporters’ survey on the state of the environment, said the challenges were caused by both natural and human activities.
They identified key issues to include erosion, carbon emissions, water pollution, deforestation, and ocean encroachment, among others. They also called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws to prevent further damage.
In Rivers State, experts urged authorities to enforce existing laws to safeguard the environment, citing increasing pollution caused by human activities.
Prof. Chibuogwu Eze, Director of the Institute of Pollution Studies at Rivers State University, criticised the level of underground water pollution in the Niger Delta, noting that toxic substances, including lead, had infiltrated groundwater.
He attributed the contamination to poor maintenance of underground storage tanks by fuel station operators, which often leak into groundwater and eventually boreholes.
According to Eze, whose research on groundwater pollution was sponsored by the university, the issue affects virtually all households, as most depend on boreholes.
“In Rivers, you don’t need to dig deep to access water. While this is convenient, it is also a risk factor. Boiling water only kills pathogens, not heavy metals like lead,” he said.
Eze stressed that laws regulating underground fuel storage—such as periodic testing and certification—must be strictly followed. He noted that tanks are required to undergo integrity tests every five years and have a maximum lifespan of 20 years.
Mr. Fyneface Dumnamene, Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), criticised states—particularly Rivers—for inadequate use of ecological funds.
He explained that ecological funds, which account for about two per cent of the federal budget, are disbursed monthly to states as part of federal allocations.
Dumnamene alleged that despite receiving hundreds of millions of naira between 2023 and 2025, Rivers State had not effectively addressed its environmental challenges, including erosion, flooding, oil spills, and ocean encroachment.
He called for the establishment of a special disaster management committee to ensure proper utilisation of the funds.
In Cross River State, Prof. Francis Bissong of the University of Calabar warned that large-scale illegal logging in key forest corridors was threatening biodiversity and local livelihoods.
He cautioned that activities around the Mbe Mountains could endanger critical habitats, including gorilla conservation areas, and lead to long-term ecological and economic losses.
Bissong noted that Cross River is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, making unsustainable logging a major environmental threat.
“Such practices destroy non-timber forest products, displace wildlife, and increase the risk of flooding and erosion,” he said.
Cross River is home to one of Africa’s last remaining high-biodiversity tropical forests, rich in mangroves, rare species, and diverse ecosystems. However, deforestation continues to threaten this fragile environment.
Bissong advocated land-use zoning, stronger enforcement of forestry laws, and active involvement of local communities in forest management.
Mr. George Oben-Etchi, Director-General of the Cross River Forestry Commission, said efforts were ongoing to curb illegal logging, including arrests and the establishment of designated courts for prosecution.
He added that the commission planned to introduce a “permiteeship” system to regulate logging activities.
Also speaking, Ken Henshaw of “We the People” called for greater community inclusion in decision-making and access to climate finance.
“When natural resources are exploited without benefiting local communities, resentment grows. Community participation is essential,” he said.
In Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Sunday Nditoi, an environmental consultant, urged the government to enact stronger regulations to protect forests and curb environmental degradation.
He condemned deforestation, bush burning, and gas flaring, noting their harmful impact on the environment.
“Any tree cut should be replaced with at least two. We must preserve forest reserves to maintain oxygen levels,” he said.
He also warned that the use of chemicals and herbicides in farming poses risks to both the environment and public health, calling for increased farmer sensitisation.
Mr. Umo Isua-Ikoh of the Peace Point Development Foundation linked environmental degradation in the Niger Delta to oil spills, gas flaring, and deforestation, which he said threaten food security and livelihoods.
He noted that declining fish populations have forced fishermen to travel longer distances with minimal returns.
Dr. Aniekan Umanah, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, said the state government had made progress in tackling erosion and land degradation, including reclaiming over 75 hectares of land in Uyo.
He added that ecological interventions were ongoing and assured that the government would continue to invest in environmental management.
Umanah urged citizens to support efforts to protect the environment and comply with regulations, including restoring borrow pits after construction activities.
