Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — A coalition of stakeholders under the banner of Khana Coastal Communities has called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, to urgently incorporate the removal of invasive Nipa palms into the ongoing Ogoni cleanup exercise, describing the species as ecologically destructive and economically worthless.
In a joint press statement issued after an inspection of the creeks and coastlines of affected communities, Kwiri, Kereken, Kaa, Gwara, Sii, Kpean, Tehnnama, Bane, Kalaoku, and Opuoku, the group warned that Nipa fructicans has displaced native mangroves and decimated aquatic life vital to community livelihoods.
The statement jointly signed by Comrades Emmanuel Goteh Bie, Raymond Nwibani, and Chief Barineka Tonwe, emphasized that the unchecked spread of Nipa palms threatens both the ecological balance and the economic resilience of coastal communities in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State.
“As you have seen, the Nipa fructicans has taken over our creeks, displacing native mangroves and aquatic life,” the group stated.
“The impact on our communities has been severe, with many of our people struggling to make a living due to the depletion of fish and other aquatic resources.”
While commending HYPREP for ongoing mangrove restoration efforts, particularly in Bomu community, the group expressed concern over the unintended consequences of partial interventions, which have not yet addressed the root issue of invasive vegetation.
“We believe that the removal of Nipa fructicans and replanting of native mangroves will help revive our aquatic life and sustain the livelihoods of our people,” the statement noted.
The stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, and HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, for their unwavering commitment to the Ogoni cleanup, and urged the Federal Government to release counterpart funding without delay.
“The cleanup exercise is commendable, and any delay in funding could stall progress and undermine the efforts of all stakeholders. We urge the government to prioritize the Ogoni cleanup exercise and provide the necessary support to ensure its success,” they declared.
Warning against individuals or groups who may seek to politicize or hijack the cleanup process for personal gain, the group reaffirmed total community support for HYPREP’s activities and called for a holistic, science-driven approach to coastal restoration.
“We caution against the antics of self-inflicted activists or bodies that might attempt to hijack this onerous agenda. Our affected communities stand firmly behind HYPREP’s efforts to restore our environment and economy.”
