Harrison Agboro has made significant contributions to environmental protection and water resource management in Delta State. As an expert in pollution control, sustainability, and remediation, he has worked closely with the Delta State Government, international organisations, and local communities to restore degraded water systems affected by oil spills, industrial waste, and emerging contaminants like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
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Through research, consultancy, and public policy advocacy, he has played a critical role in shaping strategies to combat environmental degradation in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in various industrial applications due to their heat and water-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment has led to serious concerns regarding water contamination, human health risks, and ecosystem damage. In Delta State, where oil exploration and refining dominate industrial activities, PFAS contamination is an emerging issue, adding to the already severe problem of crude oil pollution in rivers and groundwater. Recognising this challenge, Harrison has conducted extensive research and field assessments to understand the extent of PFAS contamination in drinking water and its impact on aquatic life and public health.

As a consultant for the Delta State Government, Harrison has played a strategic role in water sanitation, pollution control, and environmental rehabilitation. His work with the Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA) from 2020 to 2022 was instrumental in developing policies aimed at improving water quality in Delta State. He spearheaded the Performance Improvement Review (PIR) Plan and Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) for the World Bank-assisted Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

These initiatives focused on strengthening water management strategies, reducing contamination risks, and implementing sustainable sanitation systems in rural and urban communities.

Beyond policy development, Harrison has conducted extensive research on heavy metal and PFAS contamination in Delta State’s water bodies, particularly in Effurun. His studies focus on assessing the bioaccumulation of PFAS in aquatic organisms, monitoring contamination levels in drinking water sources, and proposing remediation strategies. His research findings have been essential in informing state-level policy decisions and providing data for intervention programmes to improve water safety.

Oil spills remain a major threat to the water quality and livelihoods of Delta State residents. Harrison has been actively involved in projects to restore polluted water bodies and mitigate the effects of oil contamination. His research on crude oil pollution in River Ethiope provided critical insights into the extent of damage caused by oil spills and the necessary measures for water rehabilitation. Through collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Environment and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), he has helped design remediation frameworks to restore damaged ecosystems and reduce the long-term impact of oil exploration activities on water sources.

Harrison’s work extends beyond pollution control to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience initiatives. He played a key role in the One Million Tree Planting Exercise in Ovade-Oghara, a gas-flaring community, where trees were planted to act as a carbon sink and improve groundwater recharge.

He has also contributed to flood mitigation strategies in Asaba, recognising the link between climate change, urban planning, and water quality. His efforts in this area emphasise the importance of nature-based solutions to combat environmental challenges.
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In addition to his fieldwork and research, Harrison has been deeply involved in strengthening public policy and governance in Delta State’s environmental sector. As Secretary of the Delta State Steering Committee on Open Government Partnership (OGP), He played a key role in ensuring transparency and accountability in government environmental programmes. Similarly, as Director of Programmes and Organisation for the Delta State Civil Society Community, he led environmental advocacy campaigns that reached over six million people and focused on public awareness, water conservation, and sustainable development.

Harrison Agboro’s extensive work in water conservation, pollution remediation, and sustainable environmental management underscores his expertise as a leading environmental scientist and consultant in Delta State. His collaboration with government agencies, international organisations, and academic institutions has led to tangible improvements in water quality, environmental restoration, and community engagement.

Through his ongoing efforts, he continues to shape policies and practices aimed at tackling oil spillage, PFAS contamination, and water sustainability, ensuring a cleaner and healthier Delta State for future generations.
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