Ogoni fishermen say seafood remains unsafe despite cleanup
Some Ogoni fishermen in Rivers State are worried that their fish and periwinkles are still contaminated by oil spills, despite ongoing cleanup projects. Representatives from several communities voiced these concerns at a recent multi-stakeholder dialogue in Kpor. Anuoluwapo Adelakun and other experts highlighted that independent research found high levels of heavy metals in local seafood. Officials from HYPREP responded by outlining progress and ongoing efforts to address the pollution.
What we know
- Fisherfolk from Gbee, K-Dere, and Nweemuu communities report that their seafood still smells of crude oil and appears unsafe to eat.
- Anuoluwapo Adelakun shared research showing high concentrations of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in fish and periwinkles from the area.
- The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) claims significant progress, citing a reduction in contamination levels and ongoing mangrove restoration.
- HYPREP’s Peter Lenu stated that periwinkles cannot survive in heavily polluted areas and emphasized the scientific basis for their findings.
- Health studies with the World Health Organisation are underway to monitor the long-term effects of oil spills on Ogoni residents.
