The Senate Committee on Oil and Gas Host Community, has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of oil spills in the Niger Delta, calling for immediate action to address the environmental disaster.
The committee noted that the Niger Delta, which accounts for approximately 90% of Nigeria’s exports and 75% of the consolidated budgetary revenue, is facing severe environmental degradation due to oil spills. It said the region, consisting of nine states, is the third largest wetland in the world and home to over 40 ethnic groups, needs urgent cleanup.
Chairman of the Committee, Benson Agadaga spoke during a two-day oversight duties on ongoing cleanup sites in Ogoniland, Rivers State coordinated by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) at the Weekend.
He emphasized the urgent need for oil companies and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to respond swiftly to pollution incidents.
“The slow pace of the Ogoni cleanup project is unacceptable. We cannot afford to wait 10 to 20 years for remediation. International standards dictate that pollution must be addressed immediately to prevent further environmental damage,” Agadaga stressed.
The Committee also inspected the ongoing Center for Environmental Education and Research (CEER), which aimed to specialize in environmental studies, pollution, and pollution control, fulfilling the vision of the Niger Delta forefathers who fought for the region.
Also, one of the Committee’s members, Gbenga Daniel reflected on the suffering endured by local communities due to oil extraction.
“The people of this area have suffered devastation. We need expanded societal responsibility initiatives and increased funding to compensate affected populations,” Daniel said.
Visiting other sites and inundated by HYPREP activities, Daniel praised the ongoing water projects and hospitals being built by the Federal government through HYPREP, citing them as examples of compensation for those affected by oil pollution.
