The Akwa Ibom State Government is joining forces with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to address the issues of oil bunkering and illegal mining in the state, aiming to create a safe, secure, and environmentally healthy environment.
Mr. Ini Ememobong, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, made this announcement during a courtesy visit by NSCDC officials. Ememobong emphasized that the assurance of safety for lives and property would remain elusive until society is rid of criminal activities.
He stressed that the problems of oil bunkering and illegal mining not only impact the country’s economy but also pose severe threats to public health and the environment. Ememobong highlighted the environmental devastation caused by these activities, rendering lands unusable and devoid of safety precautions.
Ememobong explained, “If you are opportuned to see the areas where this oil bunkering and illegal mining are carried out, you will find out that there is a complete devastation of our environment. This oil bunkers and miners influence the environment negatively in their operations. Lands that would have been utilised as farmlands are completely out of use. No safety measures taken at all.”
He also pointed out that oil spills on land seep into the soil layers and eventually contaminate underground water, affecting streams, ponds, rivers, oceans, and boreholes. The consequences of oil bunkering and illegal mining encompass water pollution, air pollution, food contamination due to carbon monoxide affecting plant leaves, and damage to aquatic life.
Ememobong commended the NSCDC officials for their efforts to secure the environment and extend their services to protect agricultural farmlands and environmental health. He recognized the importance of arable land for preventing famine, emphasizing the significance of their work in curbing illegal activities.
To combat oil bunkering and illegal mining, Ememobong proposed a non-violent approach, including rehabilitating young individuals through human capital development, providing amnesty, empowerment, training, and licensing to allow them to operate officially. By connecting them to the oil sector and encouraging work in modular refineries, this approach could generate revenue for government initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Eluwade M. Eluyemi, expressed appreciation for the state government’s robust workforce and committed to intensifying efforts to secure the lives and property of Akwa Ibom’s residents. Eluyemi also mentioned that the NSCDC had made a few arrests related to illegal mining.
