In a stirring call to action, the newly inaugurated 4th Chapter Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Engr. Dr. Edwin Ojirika, has urged collective responsibility in tackling Nigeria’s worsening environmental crisis, warning that the time for complacency has long passed.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Ojirika painted a sobering picture of a nation grappling with escalating environmental degradation driven largely by human activities.
According to him, environmental professionals can no longer afford to remain passive observers as the ecosystem deteriorates to alarming levels.
“We are in trying times,” he declared. “Environmental challenges are gaining momentum globally and in Nigeria due to increasing anthropogenic activities.
As professionals, we must speak up, offer expert guidance, and align with global efforts to rescue our environment.”
While acknowledging the significant role of multinational oil companies in pollution, particularly in the Niger Delta, Ojirika challenged a widely held perception that they are solely to blame.
He emphasized that individuals, communities, and businesses contribute daily to environmental decline through poor waste management practices, unsustainable lifestyles, and disregard for environmental standards.
“Environmental pollution is not the responsibility of oil companies alone,” he stressed. “All of us, through our daily actions, are contributors to the degradation we now witness.”
Despite the grim outlook, Ojirika maintained that the situation is far from hopeless. He outlined a comprehensive roadmap for environmental restoration, anchored on attitudinal change, institutional collaboration, and stronger enforcement of regulations.
Central to his message was the need for a cultural shift toward responsible environmental behavior. He called for citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles and recognize the environment as humanity’s only home.
Ojirika also underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, urging government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, and environmental professionals to work in synergy to combat pollution and its associated public health risks.
He further called on regulatory bodies such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency to intensify enforcement of environmental laws.
According to him, violations must attract strict penalties to serve as deterrents.
“The government must demonstrate political will by holding offenders accountable, especially in cases of oil spills, gas flaring, and improper waste disposal,” he said.
The chairman also advocated legislative reforms to strengthen outdated environmental laws, noting that weak regulations often embolden violators.
Beyond enforcement, Ojirika emphasized the role of education and public awareness. He called for sustained environmental enlightenment campaigns across media platforms and public spaces, as well as the integration of environmental studies into Nigeria’s basic and secondary education systems.
“This foundation is critical in shaping a generation that understands and prioritizes sustainability,” he noted.
Highlighting the urgency of climate change, Ojirika pushed for increased investment in renewable energy, warning that continued reliance on fossil fuels exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
He also stressed the importance of sustainable urban planning, proper infrastructure design, and adherence to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes. According to him, poorly executed projects often worsen flooding, erosion, and environmental stress.
“Development must not come at the expense of the environment,” he cautioned. “Every project must follow due process, and EIA reports must be handled by qualified professionals, not quacks.”
In addition, he advocated for greener urban spaces, including the integration of trees and shrubs in road and residential designs to serve as carbon sinks and enhance environmental aesthetics.
Ojirika concluded by highlighting the critical role of environmental professionals in driving change, calling for mentorship and knowledge transfer to younger practitioners to ensure long-term sustainability.
His message was clear: reversing environmental degradation in Nigeria requires a united front, bold leadership, and unwavering commitment from all sectors of society.
“The environment can still be restored,” he said. “But only if we act now—and act together.”
