The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into alleged environmental pollution by Agip Oil (Now Oando Oil Ltd) and Aiteo E&P in host communities in Bayelsa State.
The investigation was organised by a joint committee on Environment, Petroleum Resources Upstream and Midstream on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in Abuja.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abass, said that the exercise was a fact-finding one.
He said that it was essentially aimed at unravelling specific details about the unwholesome environmental degradation in Nembe, Brass and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa.
According to him, the primary concern is to identify those behind these devastations to stem the ugly trend for enhanced socio-economic development of our communities.
“It is widely recognised that both onshore and offshore operations by certain oil companies in parts of the oil-rich Niger-Delta have caused significant and avoidable harm to the environment and the local communities.
“These adverse effects include oil spills, noise pollution, contamination of water sources, and elevated carbon emissions, all of which continue to damage the ecosystem and disrupt the livelihoods of the host communities.
“These adverse impacts have resulted in the destruction of the livelihood of the people and their well-being, health issues, loss of aquatic lives and devastation of our biodiversity.
“Let us be reminded that the 10th House views corporate activities that are in flagrant disregard of global best practices, due process, and established norms with deep concern.
“We cannot stand idly by while the environment suffers due to negligence or greed. It is imperative that oil majors understand that their operations must align with accountability and transparency.
“They must adhere to rules that protect our environment and respect the rights of local communities,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Pondi Gbabojor (PDP-Delta), said that the panel would consult environmental experts, and relevant government agencies, to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
He said that the Managing Directors of both Aiteo E & P Company and Oando Oil Ltd would be required to provide detailed explanations regarding their activities.
He said that it was a collective responsibility to ensure that the operations of oil companies in the country are carried out in a manner that is sustainable, environmentally responsible, and respectful of the rights and welfare of the communities they operate in.
The lawmaker said that the committee is not out to vilify any corporate entity but to ensure accountability, transparency, and adherence to environmental laws and regulations that govern the oil sector in our country.
“We aim to find solutions, hold the responsible parties accountable where necessary, and recommend the appropriate remedial actions.
“The outcome of this hearing will not only affect the immediate communities involved but will also set a precedent for how we approach environmental issues related to industrial activities in the future,” he said.
Gbabojor said that the environment is a common heritage and must be protected for the current and future generations.
By EricJames Ochigbo
