The Federal Government has been asked to compel international oil companies (IOCs) to pay $100billion to oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta for the many years of damage done on the region?s ecosystem.

Niger Delta Farmers, Fishermen/Seafood Dealers Association (NDFFSDA) made the demand at the weekend in a statement by its national President, Imoh Okoko, and secretary, Sunny Eleas.

The NDFFSDA said that the operations of the oil companies have caused frequent oil spillage, black soot, acid rain, gas flaring among others which adversely impact on the communities leading to loss of livelihoods and even deaths.

The statement added that fisherman, seafood dealers and farmers have also suffered terrible loses and deaths in the course of the fishing in the waters of the region.

The statement reads in parts: ?It has become pertinent to bring to your attention the fact that the ongoing oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta region are repeatedly causing severe damage to our fishing nets, hooks, boots, and other essential fishing equipment.

?The continuous destruction of our equipment by the movement of their (IOC?s) heavy sea moving machines/equipment, e.g. oil vessels, surveillance boots, etc., is causing immense economic loss to members of our Association, as we depend solely on these tools for our daily sustenance and income.

?The massive loss of lives and livelihood and avoidable accidents at sea are preventable and we strongly advocate that measures be put in place to ensure same so as to promote a sustainable environment for positive development in the sectors.

?These accidents variously occurred in the years 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, and the most recent incident occurred in 2024. These tragic incidents have not only taken away valuable lives but have left families in distress, with no compensation or recognition from either the Companies or the relevant supervisory authorities.

?In light of the above, we respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to work out the payment is $100 billion to oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region as compensation for years of oil exploration and exploitation.

?This has led to irreversible damages to the livelihood and ecosystem in the region; this compensation would douse raging tensions and hopelessness that people in the region going through and feeling.

?This fund is needed urgently and saliently to specifically address the rapid provision of health facilities, replenishment of floundering rare animals, plants and fish species; which have been devastated for the past 65 years.

?We also support the call that the above demanded compensation be paid into a special account, to be administered by oil-producing states in collaboration with local and international environmental groups with focus on provision of health facilities, women empowerment, education and reviving fishing and agriculture in the region.? (The Nation)

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