The Dean, College of Science, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, (FUPRE), Prof Kenneth Abara Ibe, has called for the establishment of a robust legal framework and the implementation of comprehensive waste recycling programmes to tackle environmental degradation resulting from petroleum exploration and plastic waste disposal across Nigeria.

Delivering the 12th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at FUPRE’s ultra-modern 500-capacity auditorium, Prof Ibe emphasised the need for legislation at federal, state and local levels to curb indiscriminate dumping of plastics and chemical waste, particularly along riverbanks and aquatic zones.

Speaking on the topic: “From Earth to Earth: The Treasure and the Pressure of Petroleum,” Prof Ibe explored the full lifecycle of petroleum resources—from geological formation to extraction and post-production waste—warning that improper handling of residual compounds posed severe long-term threats to the environment.

He said: “Petroleum, like other mineral resources, interacts with the environment. However, while refined metals often return to their original state, petroleum residues, if mismanaged, could leave irreversible impacts on our ecosystem.”

Describing petroleum as both an economic treasure and an environmental burden, the geochemist noted that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on petroleum underscores the urgency to address its environmental consequences.

“Petroleum remains Nigeria’s most important economic resource and a vital source of government revenue and foreign exchange. Since its discovery in 1956, it has become the cornerstone of the nation’s economic framework,” he said.

Recounting his research journey, Prof Ibe reflected on his pioneering work in the Calabar Flank region of Nigeria’s Eastern Basin, which he said was previously underexplored compared to the Niger Delta.

He explained: “Around the year 2000, while substantial work had been done on the Niger Delta, the Calabar Flank remained relatively unstudied. Following the creation of Akwa Ibom from Cross River in 1987, a legal dispute emerged over 76 oil wells in Tom Shot Island, eventually resolved in favour of Akwa Ibom in 2012.”

“In light of this, there was a scientific and economic need to reevaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Upper Cretaceous sedimentation in the Calabar Flank. Our studies revealed geological similarities with coeval marginal basins in Angola, Gabon and Brazil—many of which are commercially productive,” he stated.

Prof Ibe disclosed that his work inspired the Cross River State Government to embark on an exploration drive that has since resulted in the establishment of four functional oil wells in the state.

VC Commends Intellectual Depth

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo Agbalalagba, described Prof Ibe as an academic giant whose scientific scholarship and environmental advocacy had left a lasting impression on the university and the broader academic community.

He said: “Today’s lecture has not only intellectually stimulated the university community but has also challenged us—as scholars and policy influencers—to rethink petroleum’s future and its impact on our environment.”

“Prof Ibe’s call for a structured legal and scientific response to waste management is timely, especially in this era of transition towards sustainable energy. We are proud to count him among the distinguished members of our academic community,” the VC added.

In line with FUPRE’s tradition, Prof Ibe was inducted into the university’s Conclave of Professors and honoured with a commemorative plaque and a medal of distinction by the Vice Chancellor and senior academic officials.

The ceremony, which drew academics, students, environmentalists and industry stakeholders, ended with a standing ovation for Prof Ibe and a photo session. A reception followed in celebration of his elevation into the esteemed rank of inaugural lecturers at the petroleum university.