From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that oil companies operating in the country must adhere to the environmental protection rules, as well as respect the rights of local communities.
He stated this, yesterday, while speaking at an investigative hearing, organised by the House Joint Committee on Environment and Petroleum Resources (Upstream).
The joint committee is probing the environmental impacts of crude oil transportation by Segu Seagoing Vessels from Nembe Creek to offshore storage facility in the Atlantic Ocean, and oil spillage in Olugboboro Community in Southern Ijaw community.
This is as the joint panel summoned Aiteo E&P, Agip Oil to appear before it within seven days over an oil spill at Olugboboro community in Southern Ijaw.
The chairman of the joint panel, Pondi Gbabador, who announced the summon, expressed displeasure that the oil companies have disregarded the invitation of the parliament on three different occasions.
“It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that the operations of oil companies in our 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 and the country at large.
“It is also noteworthy, to emphasise that the committees are not here 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,” Gbabador said.
The Speaker noted that onshore and offshore operations by some oil companies in the Niger Delta have resulted in significant but avoidable harm to the environment. These, according to him, include oil spill, noise pollution and contamination of water sources among others.
He stated that the 10th House was concerned about corporate activities that violate global best practices, as well as due process.
“The incidents of oil spillage have underscored the fragility of our environment and highlighted the consequences of negligence.
The Olugboboro community has suffered immensely due to these spills. Their livelihoods have been disrupted; their health compromised and their environment tarnished.
“We must ask ourselves: what price are we willing to pay for progress? Is it acceptable that communities bear the brunt of industrial activities while corporations reap profits? The answer must be a resounding no.
“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.”