Nigeria Was Better Before Oil, Top Environmentalist Says

Nigeria's economy was stronger and healthier before oil money dominated the country, according to Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, a renowned environmental activist who leads the Health of Mother Earth Foundation. Speaking at a journalism conference in Port Harcourt, he painted a picture of a nation that once exported food, built excellent roads, and invested in education without relying on petroleum.

Bassey reminded the audience that Nigeria was a thriving agricultural powerhouse in the 1950s and 60s. The country exported crops, maintained vibrant infrastructure, and developed strong educational systems before oil became the primary revenue source.

The shift to oil dependency weakened those foundations, he explained. Instead of growing diverse crops for local consumption, the nation focused on extracting resources for export while importing basic necessities.

Now, Bassey is calling for urgent environmental cleanup of the Niger Delta region, where decades of oil extraction have damaged water, soil, and air quality. He insists communities deserve restoration before the global economy moves away from fossil fuels entirely.

The activist challenged a common narrative that blames oil spills on vandalism. Many pipelines in the region are over 50 years old and desperately need replacement, he said.

King Felix Otuwarikpo, leader of Upata Kingdom in Rivers State, supported this view at the conference. He pointed out that oil companies continue using security forces to protect pipelines rather than partnering with local communities as intended by Nigeria's Petroleum Industry Act.

Why This Inspires

This conference organized by Nigerian journalists shows growing momentum for environmental justice. Media professionals, community leaders, and activists are joining forces to demand accountability and restoration for oil-producing regions.

Bassey's call to action extends beyond cleanup. He envisions Nigeria rejoining global conversations about alternative economic partnerships and returning to agricultural strength that once made the country self-sufficient.

The gathering itself sent a powerful message to government officials that conditions in the Niger Delta cannot be ignored. Community voices are getting louder, media attention is increasing, and the push for comprehensive environmental restoration is gaining support.

Several organizations sponsored the event, including oil companies and women's development groups, showing cross-sector interest in finding solutions. The collaboration demonstrates that change is possible when diverse stakeholders come together.

Nigeria's path forward includes honoring commitments to communities that have lived with environmental damage for generations while building a more sustainable economic model for the future.