Phase 1In preparation
Oloibiri legacy site assessment
Documentation of long-standing contamination around Nigeria's first commercial oil field and adjoining creeks.
The Glory of All Lands
Bayelsa State
Bayelsa is the most water-bound state in Nigeria, with creeks, swamp forest and coastal marsh covering most of its territory and only eight local government areas — the fewest of any Nigerian state. Nigeria's first commercial oil discovery was made at Oloibiri in 1956, making Bayelsa the historic birthplace of the country's petroleum industry.
State at a glance
Bayelsa within the Niger Delta
This reference map shows the state's local government areas. Select any fact below for a focused view of the state profile.
Capital
Yenagoa
Created
1 October 1996
Origin
Carved out of Rivers State
Local government areas
8
Land area
10,773 km²
Population (2006 census)
1,704,515
Peoples
Ijaw (Izon), with Nembe, Ogbia, Epie-Atissa communities
Environmental picture
- Long-running spill and legacy-contamination burden across creeks and farmland
- Flooding during peak river season, with severe regional flooding recorded in 2012 and 2022
- Freshwater swamp and mangrove degradation affecting fish nurseries
- Limited road access, so remediation and water delivery depend on boat logistics
Landmarks and assets
- Oloibiri, site of Nigeria's first commercial oil well (1956)
- Nembe and Brass creeks and the Brass terminal
- Yenagoa, the state capital on the Ekole Creek
- Ijaw National Academy and the Oloibiri museum proposal
Project updates
What is moving in Bayelsa
Phase 1Planned
Boat-based monitoring pilot
Equip community monitors in Nembe and Southern Ijaw with boats, sampling kits and reporting tools.
Phase 2Planned
Flood-resilient water systems
Design of raised, sealed water points able to keep operating through peak river season.
Updates describe the planned campaign pipeline in this state. Delivery figures are published only after field verification.
Restoration initiatives
Programmes designed for Bayelsa
Ecosystems
Mangrove nursery network
Community nurseries supplying seedlings for creek-side replanting across the eight local government areas.
Livelihoods
Fisher household support
Alternative income and gear support for fishing families in affected creeks.
Heritage
Oloibiri memory and learning
Interpretation of the 1956 discovery site as a public record of the region's environmental cost.
Restoration priorities in Bayelsa
01
Creek-based spill response and legacy site remediation
02
Flood-resilient water and sanitation for riverine settlements
03
Community environmental monitoring networks by boat
Ambassadors in Bayelsa
Represent this state in the campaign.
Mobilise your community, report field conditions and help deliver the Bayelsa programme pipeline.
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Fund restoration work in Bayelsa.
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Regional operations map
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StateProgrammePartner pathwayPipeline indicator
Locations indicate programme focus or regional reach, not precise worksites or office addresses. Map supplied as a geographic reference.
The Glory of All Lands
Bayelsa State
Capital Yenagoa · 8 LGAs · 10,773 km²
Phase 1
In preparationOloibiri legacy site assessment
Documentation of long-standing contamination around Nigeria's first commercial oil field and adjoining creeks.
Phase 1
PlannedBoat-based monitoring pilot
Equip community monitors in Nembe and Southern Ijaw with boats, sampling kits and reporting tools.
Regional programme: Niger Delta Clean-up · Programme development
Sources: Nigeria's 2006 national population census, official state creation records, the 2011 UNEP Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland, and state material reproduced from Niger Delta Organisation SA. Figures are historical official records; current estimates are higher, and area totals may vary by public source.