Environmental experts have emphasized the importance of forensic investigation in uncovering hidden environmental damage in the Niger Delta region. 

The experts who shared their views during a Livelihood lecture series at the University of Port Harcourt's Faculty of Social Sciences,  discussed the critical issue of environmental degradation and its impact on local communities.

The programme, hosted by the Right Livelihood College Lecture 2025, was organized in collaboration with the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) with the theme "Achieving Environmental and Climate Justice in the Niger Delta Through Forensic Investigation: Local Actions, Global Impact." 

In his opening remarks, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, emphasized the importance of finding solutions to environmental and climate justice struggles in the Niger Delta. 

According to him: "The Niger Delta has been trapped in a cycle of extraction with little accountability, growth, equity, and wealth without wellness."

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the significance of forensic investigation in achieving environmental justice, noting that it signals a radical shift from mere lamentation to evidence-based accountability.

He urged global solidarity and collective action to address the environmental and climate justice issues in the Niger Delta. 

He also emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging forensic investigation and community-led documentation to uncover the truth about environmental damage and hold those responsible accountable.

On his part, the Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, emphasized the importance of forensic investigation in uncovering hidden environmental damage saying: "Forensic Investigation shows the close correlation between colonialism and the way resources are being extracted today."

Dr. Bassey called on governments to take action to protect the environment and the people, stressing that governments in Africa need to stop using colonial methodologies and prioritize the needs of their people.

Also, in his keynote presentation, forensic architecture expert,Tobechukwu Onwukeme revealed that over 1,223 homes have sunk into the Atlantic Ocean in the Awoye community of Ondo State, with a fire burning for five years off the coast. 

Onwukeme described the situation as a "grave injustice" and a "great disgrace" to Nigeria, highlighting the humanitarian crisis faced by affected communities.

He emphasized the importance of forensic architecture in documenting and investigating environmental crimes, and called for accountability and justice for affected communities.

Meanwhile, the experts highlighted the devastating impact of environmental damage on local communities, including loss of livelihoods, homes, and clean air. 

They emphasized that the Niger Delta region, despite fueling the global economy, is plagued by oil spills, gas flaring, and devastated livelihoods, stressing that the situation demands urgent attention and collective action to address the environmental and climate justice issues.