Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has issued a powerful call for collaborative governance to combat the escalating threats of ocean rise and coastal erosion devastating communities across the Niger Delta, particularly in Bayelsa.
Speaking at the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit held in Nice, France on Saturday, Governor Diri urged global, national, and local leaders to work together to protect vulnerable coastal populations. The summit serves as a prelude to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, taking place from June 9 to 13.
The summit, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, convened world leaders, scientists, and environmental policymakers to discuss urgent solutions to climate change-driven ocean threats.
During a panel session titled “Multi-Level Governance of Coastal Cities and Regions,” Governor Diri shared insights into the dire situation in Bayelsa — a state that is 70% waterlogged, bordered on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, and lies below sea level, making it extremely vulnerable to coastal erosion and rising tides.
“This is not the time for competitiveness but for cooperation — at global, national, and local levels,” Diri declared.
He noted that his administration has taken bold steps, including the establishment of Nigeria’s first sub-national Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2024, following the Federal Government’s initiative in 2023.
Governor Diri also spoke about efforts to restore mangrove ecosystems, which serve as natural barriers against ocean surges, and emphasized the urgent need for access to international climate funds to support grassroots adaptation strategies.
“We believe sub-national entities like Bayelsa must be included in global funding conversations if real impact is to be made on the frontline of climate change,” he said.
Governor Diri’s delegation included key state officials and stakeholders: Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Zibs-Godwin; Director in the ministry, Mr. Wakedei Ere, and Technical Adviser on International Development, Mrs. Funkazi Koroye-Crooks.
Also in attendance were Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, as well as delegates from Lagos and Cross River states. Notably, former U.S. Secretary of State and Climate Envoy, John Kerry, was present, lending global weight to the discussion.
