Niger Delta

Mobil, Community Disagree On Oil Spill Clean Up

Published

14 years ago

August 24, 2012

The clean up of the Atlantic coastline in Akwa Ibom State,
contaminated by oil deposits, as ordered by National Oil Spills Detection and
Response Agency (NOSDRA) is yet to commence.

Although Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) said recently that it
has accepted to clean up the shoreline, the exercise had yet to commence as at
Sunday afternoon..

MPN, an affiliate of US oil firm ExxonMobil and operator of
the Qua Iboe oil fields, said that it was still conducting tests on the oil
samples to determine the source.

Mobil and members of its host communities in Akwa Ibom State
on August 13, reported an oil spill to National Oil Spills Detection and
Response Agency (NOSDRA).

Mr Irvin Obot, Zonal Director at NOSDRA said on Thursday
that the agency had instructed Mobil to take responsibility for the clean-up in
line with the provisions of the law while investigation continues.

According to a statement from the oil firm, and made
available to our corresponent in Eket on Saturday, the oil firm will cooperate
with local authorities in the clean up exercise.

“Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN), operator of the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/MPN Joint Venture, confirms it
is assisting with the clean-up in cooperation with local authorities.

“The source of the hydrocarbon remains unknown as
fingerprinting of collected samples is ongoing.

“MPN remains committed to ensuring that the health and
environment of our neighbouring communities are protected,” it said.

The statement was signed by Mr Nigel Cookey-Gam, Manager
Communications and Government Affairs in Mobil Producing.

Meanwhile, residents of Esit Eket Local Government Area of
Akwa Ibom on Saturday staged a protest following the oil spill reported at the
Qua Iboe oil fields on August 13.

The communities amongst other things urged the local
government authorities in Esit Eket to ensure that the oil firm took
responsibility for the loss and damages caused by the oil spill to the
predominantly fishing communities.

Chief Okon Apkan Owon, a community leader in Ibeno, told NAN
on Sunday that the clean up had yet to commence due to a disagreement between
the oil firm and the community on the manpower for the clean up.

“The issue is that Mobil approved the use of 40 people for
the clean up exercise and we feel the number is inadequate to clean up a
distance of 22 kilometres.

“We are of the view that more hands should be used to hasten
up the job and avoid further delays because the tide would bury the deposits
and cause further danger to the marine ecosystem.

“Further to that, they have been silent on the issues of
temporary relief to fishermen and community members impacted by the spill who
cannot earn income while the clean up lasts,’’ the statement stressed.

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.