NOSDRA will ensure timely, effective response to oil spills – DG

Peter Idabor, the Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) says the agency will ensure timely, effective and appropriate response to oil spills.

Idabor gave the assurance at the agency’s 10th anniversary symposium with the theme “Oil Spill Management in Nigeria: The Journey So Far’’, in Abuja.

The director-general said that the agency would carry out such function by cleaning up and remediation of all impacted sites.

“The agency in these past 10 years has been intensely occupied with enforcing compliance with environment legislation in the Nigerian petroleum sector.

“We have embarked on joint investigation visit, ensured remediation of impacted sites, and monitor oil spill drill exercises and facilities inspection of remediated sites,’’ he said.

He said that one of the major landmark achievements of the agency was the successful bidding of the Regional Coordinating Centre for Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in West, Central and Southern Africa (GI-WACAF).

“This is partnership with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association to enhance the capacity of countries to prepare for and respond to marine spills.

“In line with the present administration’s efforts towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals, we strive, despite various challenges, to deliver on our mandate.’’

He said that the agency had carried out community-based sensitisation and awareness programmes to integrate and mainstream active community engagement into disaster risk reduction plan for oil spill management.

“This is to strengthen Stakeholder Engagement Initiative as a veritable tool for achieving peaceful co-existence, socio-economic stability and environmental sustainability in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.’’

Contributing, the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, said that NOSDRA had demonstrated professional will and determination to effectively respond to and manage oil spill incidents in Nigeria.

“The agency should be encouraged and strengthened to perform more effectively, especially in view of the challenges posed to oil spill management in Nigeria today due to attacks on oil facilities by armed militants.

“The Federal Government is committed to dialogue with state governments, opinion and youth leaders in Niger Delta to find a lasting solution to the incessant attacks on oil facilities,’’ Mohammed said.

She added that government was also working to strengthen and review the agency’s establishment Act to empower it for more effective service delivery.

Mr Obinna Chidoka, Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Habitat, said that the symposium was timely to chart the way forward on oil spill management in Nigeria.

“Oil companies will not comply willingly; therefore, NOSDRA should not expect an easy enforcement but put its foot down to make sure that things are done properly.’’

He, however, pledged to leave his doors open to the agency and give it the necessary legislative support to deliver its mandate. (NAN)