Decades of Oil Pollution in Bayelsa Triple Cancer Risk, Reduce Life Expectancy

A recent toxicological audit has uncovered what experts described as a silent public health crisis in rural oil-producing communities in Bayelsa State, with findings linking decades of crude oil pollution to rising cancer cases, infant mortality, pediatric stunting, and a sharp decline in life expectancy.

The report was discussed during a stakeholders’ forum held at the Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye Hall, Government House Annex, Onopa, Yenagoa, where health experts, civil society groups, and international partners called for urgent intervention to address the growing environmental and health emergency in the Niger Delta.

The forum, organised by the International Working Group, Social Action and Health of Mother Earth Foundation, focused on advancing research and policy engagement in response to the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission on the health impacts of fossil fuel pollution in the region.

Stakeholders at the event demanded the establishment of a $12 billion environmental recovery and healthcare intervention fund, as well as the implementation of a statewide electronic medical-tracking system to monitor pollution-related illnesses.

According to the findings presented at the forum, nearly 70 years of crude oil exploration and gas flaring in Bayelsa communities have resulted in severe health consequences for residents in highly exposed areas.

The data reportedly showed that communities exposed to prolonged oil pollution experienced significantly higher cancer rates and other chronic health complications than less-exposed areas.

Participants at the forum also called for urgent investments in clean water infrastructure, nutritional support programmes to combat pediatric stunting, and expanded healthcare services for affected communities.

They further urged the Bayelsa State Government to introduce annual medical screenings for residents in high-exposure areas to detect and manage chronic oil-related illnesses early.

Professor Engobo Emeseh of Aberystwyth University said the report by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission revealed devastating consequences of oil pollution on the people of Bayelsa.

He noted that the situation had become so severe that the report described it as an environmental genocide.

“We submitted our report first at the House of Lords in the United Kingdom in 2023 and later presented it to the Bayelsa State Government in Yenagoa before making it public in November 2024,” he said.

Emeseh stated that the commission remained committed to ensuring that the report’s recommendations are fully implemented.

“There are strange diseases. There are maternal health issues. There are issues around reproductive health. So many health concerns. What we want to do is advance the work of the report because there is still much more to be done,” he added.

Executive Director of Social Action, Isaac Osuoka, and Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, Emem Okon, both stressed the need for immediate action to address the environmental and health damage caused by pollution in the Niger Delta.

Osuoka said the evidence presented at the forum showed that urgent intervention could no longer be delayed.

“It is clear that the time for action is now. The data is conclusive and the need for intervention is urgent. Let us work together to protect the health and wellbeing of communities in Bayelsa State,” he said.