Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Green Sahara Farms have begun plans to restore the landscape of Niger Delta.
The focus will be on use of renewable natural resources instead of petrochemicals, which damage the environment as a base resource in agroforestry, medicine, housing, bio-fertilisers, bio-pharmaceuticals.
Minister of State Sharon Ikeazor lamented that devastation caused by activities of oil companies in Niger Delta is responsible for loss of livelihoods and other social and economic problems.
“Today, environmental degradation is not the problem of Niger Delta or Nigeria but a global one… With global climate related calamities and growth of investment in alternative and renewable energy, it is important Niger Delta is prepared for life after oil.”
The minister stressed that such partnerships focusing on economic restoration of devastated landscape will provide a more sustainable source of livelihoods for the people.
Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Green Sahara farms Suleiman Dikwa noted that there is an alignment between the west and the underdeveloped world as activities of a rural fishermann here affects residents in Seoul, New York, Paris,Tokyo etc.
Dikwa said a holistic approach is needed to re-imagine and develop an economy built on landscape restoration, from housing, bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-energy, bio-fertilisers for regenerative agriculture, aesthetic and spiritual harmony.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry Mr Olufunso Adebiyi noted the need to develop competencies in climate adaptation models to meet SDGs target.
This, he said, provides alternative source of financing development in Niger Delta and opens a more sustainable approach to climate action.
Mr Patrick Nyamo, director of Economic Development said the ministry has social programmes it cannot execute due to lack of funds.
He said a synergy between social, economic and environmental objectives will create alternative source of financing these challenges and prepare Niger Delta for life after oil.