Despite efforts made by the government to reduce the menace of soot around Port Harcourt metropolis, we can still observe that soot remains visibly seen in the air around Port Harcourt.
A once bustling city known for its vibrant oil industries, business climate, and coastal charm, Port Harcourt has continued to struggle under the weight of a persistent environmental menace: black soot. Could it be that the causes of the soot go beyond the activities of artisanal oil refiners or that the oil refiners are still in business?
How would it be that despite repeated interventions, the toxic blanket of fine black particles that first became visible over the city in 2016 remains an everyday reality for residents, staining buildings, cars, and, most dangerously, lungs.
In this report, we try to find out where the soot is now coming from.
Why Is the Soot Still Here?
Environmental scientists and public health experts say the soot is a mixture of hazardous particles produced by:
- Illegal oil bunkering and refining activities in the creeks
- Gas flaring from oil companies
- Open burning of waste
- Unregulated use of dirty fuels for domestic and commercial generators
While efforts to clamp down on illegal refineries in recent years have had some effect, the deeply rooted problem is far from over. Recall that in January 2022, the then Governor of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike Urged Traditional Rulers to Dislodge Illegal Crude Refining in their Domains. This lead to an unprecedented clamp down on illegal refining camps that were scattered all over the creeks of Rivers state.
During those days, there were clear changes and residents confirmed that the level of soot in the air in those days clearly reduced.
However, in the last few weeks, complaints about the soot has started to arise again. This is despite the raining season that clearly would reduce the level of soot in the atmosphere.
“And the community suffers in silence,” said a resident environmental advocate, Mrs. Nnenna Abili, during a recent interview.
Health Impacts Mounting
Doctors and health experts warn that long-term exposure to soot can have severe health implications.
“We’re seeing an increase in respiratory problems, especially among children and the elderly,” said Dr. Charles Dike of BMH Port Harcourt. “Cases of chronic coughs, asthma attacks, and even cancer risks are more prevalent than ever.”
In some communities, families now wipe soot off their furniture daily, even inside their homes.
Government Response: Is It Enough?
The Rivers State Government had previously set up a task force and declared an emergency on soot pollution. Yet, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned by civil society groups.
The Rivers State Environmental Protection Agency (RSEPA) maintains that monitoring and enforcement efforts are ongoing, but activists say stronger action is needed.
The Human Side of the Crisis
Mrs. Gloria, a teacher living along Ada George Road, spoke emotionally about the struggle:
“We cannot breathe fresh air. My children wake up coughing every night. We need help real help.”
Similarly, taxi driver Mr. Tony said the soot affects his business:
“Customers complain my seats are dusty. I have to clean the car three times a day.”
What’s the Way Forward?
Environmentalists say a coordinated response is needed:
- Sustained clampdown on illegal refining activities
- Investment in clean energy alternatives
- Public awareness on the consequences of open burning
- Community involvement in environmental monitoring
- More transparency and accountability in pollution data reporting
Call for Community Action
Several non-profits have begun organizing protests and awareness campaigns. The Youth for Clean Air PH group is staging regular clean-up and awareness events to draw attention to the crisis.
“But we need real policy, not just public events,” one activist said during their last sensitization march.
The soot in Port Harcourt is not only an environmental issue, it is a public health emergency, an economic burden, and a threat to quality of life.
Unless concerted efforts are taken across all levels, from the grassroots to the government the black smoke will continue to choke the city and its people.
As residents continue to live under a cloud of soot, the cry remains clear: “Give Port Harcourt back its clean air.”