Oil spills: FG moves to restore mangroves in Ogoniland

The federal government says it is working to restore the mangrove in Ogoniland following years of oil spills.

Mohammad Abubakar, minister of environment, made this known during a meeting on mangrove restoration in Abuja.

In a statement on Sunday, Saghir el-Mohammed, spokesperson of the ministry, quoted him as restating the government’s commitment to improving lives in Ogoni communities.

Abubakar said: “Using the knowledge and experience of the experts assembled here today, together, we will be able to restore the mangroves and improve the lives of the Ogoni communities who are affected every day by the devastating pollution.

“We are going to discuss the conditions and methods of successful replantation and recovery of mangrove habitats.

“Mangroves are not just ecologically significant but are critical to the livelihood and food security of communities in Ogoniland.

“It is hoped that the meeting will bring new momentum to the restoration efforts for mangrove ecosystems in Ogoniland, paving way for healthy ecosystems and successful environmental remediation of areas affected by pollution.”

The minister also said that the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) found extensive damage to mangroves in Ogoniland when undertaking its 2011 environmental assessment of the area.

“The report found that the impact of oil on mangrove vegetation in Ogoniland has been disastrous,” he said.

“In many of these areas, the roots were completely coated in oil, sometimes with a one centimeter or more thick layer of bituminous substance.”