In Nigeria, a United Nations report has attributed the failure of the “Clean Up the Niger Delta” project to widespread corruption and impunity, exacerbating the environmental and humanitarian crises in the oil-rich region.
The Niger Delta, located in Nigeria’s South-South, is home to vast oil reserves but also suffers from severe pollution caused by decades of oil exploration, ranking among the most polluted regions globally. Despite significant efforts and funding, the project has made little progress, leaving residents to endure ongoing environmental degradation and its associated health and economic impacts.
The UN has called for an investigation into corrupt practices that have undermined the initiative, urging the adoption of sustainable cleaning technologies and greater involvement of local communities in decision-making processes. These measures, the UN argues, are critical to restoring the environment and improving the livelihoods of those affected.
