How should the oil-producing communities be compensated for the environmental damages?
EMEAGWALI: Extracting petroleum leads to environmental pollution from burning oil fields and leaking oil pipes. The appropriate compensation is determined by conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment studies. We know that the streams in the Niger Delta areas that were clear and full of fish are now polluted because of oil prospecting and exploration. We have to compensate the local fisherman for his loss of income. We must also understand that the oil companies are not the major polluters of our environment. The Ijaw youths understand that the oil companies have deep pocket and are sitting ducks and are made to take all the blame for Nigeria’s environmental problems. Have we forgotten about the timber industry that destroyed our forests. Ninety-five percent of Nigeria’s forests (and the animals in them) have already been destroyed! The small remaining rain forest in Cross River State is now exploited for timber. The forest is a limited resource and we can only take as much of any p
