By Elizabeth Osayande
Harrison Agboro is a leading expert in environmental protection and water resource management in Delta State, Nigeria. He specialises in pollution control and remediation, focusing on issues like oil spills and PFAS contamination.
He has conducted extensive research on PFAS and heavy metal contamination in Delta State’s water bodies. These include:” Developed the Performance Improvement Review, PIR, Plan and the Performance Improvement Action Plan ,PIAP, for the Delta State Government’s water initiatives; and helped design remediation frameworks for oil-contaminated sites, notably River Ethiope.

Agboro also has lead several community engagement programmes, including holding different leadership roles. For instance, he led the One Million Tree Planting Exercise to enhance groundwater recharge and has been involved in flood mitigation strategies in Asaba.

He served as Secretary of the Delta State Steering Committee on Open Government Partnership, OGP, promoting transparency in environmental governance. And as Director of Programs and Organisation for the Delta State Civil Society Community, he led impactful environmental advocacy campaigns.

Through his research and advocacy, Agboro continues to improve water quality and address pollution challenges in Delta State, contributing positively to community health and environmental sustainability.

In this feature article, the environmental expert shares his insights on water pollution, and to tackle it among other things.

Except
Water is an essential resource that sustains life, yet in Nigeria, pollution continues to threaten its availability and quality. Across the country, but particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta, industrial waste, oil spills, and other contaminants have severely degraded water bodies, posing severe risks to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. The presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances PFAS, heavy metals, crude oil residues, and agricultural runoff has further compounded this crisis, exposing millions of people to dangerous pollutants and making clean water increasingly scarce. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates policy reform, scientific research, technological innovation, and community-driven solutions.

Nigeria’s water bodies are facing an unprecedented level of degradation, largely due to industrial activities and poor environmental management. In the Niger Delta region, years of crude oil spills have left many rivers and wetlands contaminated, affecting both marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing and agriculture. The unchecked discharge of industrial effluents and untreated sewage has exacerbated the situation, making drinking water sources unsafe.

Additionally, the presence of PFAS in surface waters, particularly in places like Effurun, Delta State, has raised concerns about long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, which have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormonal imbalances, and liver damage.

Consequences of water pollution

The health and environmental consequences of water pollution in Nigeria are far-reaching. Contaminated water has led to an increase in cases of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. In many urban and rural communities, people rely on untreated water sources that are heavily polluted, leading to long-term health complications. The destruction of aquatic ecosystems due to chemical pollution has also disrupted fisheries, affecting both food security and the local economy. The bioaccumulation of toxic substances in fish and other marine organisms further extends the dangers of water pollution beyond direct human consumption, making it an environmental crisis of national concern.

Individual and collective efforts to tackle water pollution

Efforts to combat water pollution must be rooted in a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of contamination while promoting sustainable solutions. Strengthening environmental regulations is critical. The Nigerian government needs to enforce stricter laws on industrial waste disposal, oil spill remediation, and municipal water treatment. Companies operating in the Niger Delta must be held accountable for their environmental footprint and compelled to clean up polluted sites. Furthermore, monitoring systems should be put in place to regularly test water quality and track contamination levels, ensuring that pollutants like PFAS and heavy metals are effectively managed.

Investing in water treatment technologies is also essential in tackling the pollution crisis. Bioremediation techniques, which use microorganisms to break down oil pollutants, have shown promise in restoring contaminated water bodies in other parts of the world and should be explored further in Nigeria. Advanced filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis, can help remove harmful contaminants from drinking water, providing safer alternatives for affected communities. Additionally, wetland restoration and reforestation projects can serve as natural filtration systems, improving water quality while also mitigating the effects of climate change.

Community engagement and education play a crucial role in ensuring the success of environmental initiatives. Local populations, particularly in pollution-affected areas, must be actively involved in conservation efforts. Raising awareness about the dangers of improper waste disposal and encouraging better sanitation practices can help reduce the amount of pollutants entering water bodies. Community-led monitoring programs can also help track pollution levels, ensuring early intervention before contamination becomes irreversible. The One Million Tree Planting Exercise in Ovade-Oghara, Delta State, for instance, has been an initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing groundwater recharge, providing a model for similar conservation efforts across the country.

Improving infrastructure for wastewater treatment and clean water supply is another critical step. Many parts of Nigeria lack adequate sanitation facilities, leading to the direct discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and lakes. Expanding access to modernized wastewater treatment plants and improved drainage systems will help minimize pollution while ensuring that more people have access to safe drinking water.

Additionally, the adoption of nature-based solutions, such as constructed wetlands and riparian buffer zones, can help filter pollutants before they reach major water sources.

A delve into Niger Delta

The Niger Delta, which has been at the center of Nigeria’s oil economy for decades, requires special attention due to the extensive environmental damage it has suffered. Oil spill response mechanisms need to be strengthened, ensuring rapid cleanup efforts whenever leaks occur. Stricter monitoring of oil extraction companies and their compliance with environmental regulations will be crucial in preventing further degradation of the region’s water resources.

Deploying oil-absorbing materials, such as modified clay and biochar, can help reduce contamination levels in affected rivers and wetlands.

A call for sustainability in addressing water pollution

Addressing water pollution in Nigeria is not just an environmental necessity but a matter of public health, economic stability, and sustainable development. While progress has been made in policy formulation and awareness, much remains to be done in enforcing existing regulations, investing in remediation technologies, and strengthening community participation. Through a combination of government action, scientific innovation, and grassroots initiatives, Nigeria can make significant strides toward ensuring access to clean, safe, and sustainable water sources for all. The time to act is now, and the collective effort of policymakers, environmental experts, industries, and local communities will determine the success of this fight against water pollution.