Amatu 2, a prominent oil-producing community in Bayelsa State, is grappling with severe erosion that threatens to erase its existence.
Situated on a narrow stretch of land between the Atlantic Ocean and an estuary, the community has historically thrived, leveraging its unique geography and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s oil wealth.
However, years of unchecked coastal erosion have left it vulnerable, washing away homes and livelihoods.
The community, part of the Induwini Kingdom in Ekeremor Local Government Area, hosts multinational oil companies, including Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Despite the wealth extracted from its land, Amatu 2’s residents feel abandoned.
No significant interventions have been made by the state government or oil companies to address their plight, even as erosion continues to displace families and disrupt their lives.
Impact of Erosion on Lives and Livelihoods
The devastation caused by erosion is evident everywhere in the community. Houses have been swallowed by the sea, and families are left homeless.
Many residents now take shelter in the civic centre and other communal facilities, unable to rebuild due to economic hardships.
Mrs Ekenere Vincent, a displaced resident, expressed her pain in the Ijaw language:
“The government should come to our aid and support us.
Otherwise, we don’t know what will happen next as the erosion is ongoing.”
Another resident, Mr America Izonboloude, lamented the lack of concern shown by the authorities and oil companies, stating:
“It makes me feel sad because this is an oil-producing community. We generate wealth for the country, but the government and Shell do not show any concern while we continue to suffer.”
The Role of Shell and Government Inaction
Despite Amatu 2’s status as a host community to SPDC and its contributions to Nigeria’s oil revenue, there has been little action to mitigate the erosion threat. Traditional ruler King Joel Ekeni Ibane pointed to systemic neglect:
“Everyone is working for their pocket and family, and that’s why we’ve been left to suffer here. Contractors brought in by Shell are outsiders – Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo – while our people are denied opportunities. Shell is at the root of the problem because their activities have contributed to this erosion.”
The king also emphasised the psychological toll on the community. Fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the sea, now find it increasingly difficult to navigate the dangerous waters caused by advancing tides and sediment build-up.
Urgent Need for Intervention
Experts and local leaders agree that immediate measures are needed to save the community. Proposed solutions include dredging, piling, and sand-filling to reclaim land and protect the area from further erosion.
However, these initiatives require substantial investment and cooperation between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Shell, and other stakeholders.
Comrade Solomon Ikpaka, National Coordinator of the NGO Safe and Better Nigeria, highlighted the critical need for action:
“If SPDC officials are truly human, they should see the plight of the people and act. What we need is dredging, piling, and land reclamation. Even access to the community is being lost as sand from the ocean blocks the entrance.”
Ikpaka urged the National Assembly’s Committee on the Environment to address the erosion crisis, emphasising the importance of a united front between the government, SPDC, and community leaders.
A Call for Collaboration and Hope
Despite the grim situation, there is hope that concerted efforts can turn the tide. King Ibane has pledged his support for initiatives that address the erosion threat, and the community is ready to collaborate with stakeholders to protect their land and livelihoods.
Amatu 2 stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s reliance on its oil-producing communities, yet it also highlights the urgent need for sustainable development and environmental protection. Without swift intervention, this vital community could be lost to the waves, a devastating reminder of the cost of neglect.
