The Niger Delta is one of the most important wetland ecosystems in the world, home to over 31 million people. It has generated $600 billion for Nigeria since the 1960s but has also been severely polluted, with over 15 million barrels of oil spilled. Restoring the damaged Ogoni region alone could cost $1 billion and take 25-30 years. Local fishermen now have to travel long distances and still catch oil-soaked fish. The pollution has also had major political, economic, and health impacts for communities in the region.

1. The Tale of the Niger Delta

2. The Niger Delta is one of the 10 most important wetland and coastal marine ecosystems in the world

3. It is home to over 31 million people

4. The Niger Delta has generated an estimated $600 billion since the 1960s

5. The Niger Delta has been dubbed the world capital of pollution with over 15 million barrels spilled

6. Economic Impact

8. The UN estimates restoring the Ogoni region alone could cost $1bn (£613m) and take 25-30 years to complete

9. “ If you want to go fishing, you have to paddle for about four hours through several rivers before you can get to where you can catch fish … Some of the fishes we catch, when you open the stomach , it smells of crude oil .” Niger Deltan Fisherman

10. “ If you want to go fishing, you have to paddle for about four hours through several rivers before you can get to where you can catch fish … Some of the fishes we catch, when you open the stomach , it smells of crude oil .” Niger Deltan Fisherman

11. Political Impact

13. Militancy and violence against oil company workers continue till this day in the region

14. The current Nigerian President is from the Niger Delta and is largely believed to have been voted in to appease its people

15. Health Impact