Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and other interested parties have once again reiterated the need for urgent attention to be given to the problems and opportunities that come with 70 years of oil exploration in the Niger Delta region.
The statements were made during the 2026 Sweet Crude Dialogue, themed “Through the Python’s Eye: 70 Years of Oil and Gas Production in Nigeria”, which took place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. This gathering was aimed at deliberating on the impact of oil exploration on the region.
While addressing the forum, Governor Diri, represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, lamented the damage done to the environment by oil exploration over the years and pleaded with all interested parties to strive for environmental justice.
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He cited studies by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission, estimating that millions of barrels of crude oil had been spilled in the area over the years, stating that the whole process was an environmental crisis.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was chairing the meeting, emphasized the importance of increasing involvement in the oil business in the community. He said that Nigeria had to stop exporting crude oil alone and build its capacity by manufacturing oil equipment and creating employment in the sector.
Prof. Ibibia Worika, in his contribution, said that although oil drilling was making much money for Nigeria, it had made governance issues apparent and left Niger Delta communities with no development.
The participants at the discussion demanded better environmental management and economic diversification in the country.
