Environment
Group Flays NAOC Over Poor Environmental Record
The National Coalition
on Gas Flaring and Oil Spills in the Niger Delta (NACHOMD) has criticized the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) for its poor environmental record in the Niger Delta.
The group which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also criticised Agip for its poor maintenance policy.
The National Coordinator of the coalition, Father Edward Obi, particularly said that Agip poor maintenances its facilities had led to series of raptures on its pipeline resulting to series of oil spillages across the region. Father Obi, who made references to the recent oil spills at Angamabele and Keelaba Communities of Bayelsa State, said that the company must be called to order before it destroys the Niger Delta.
Father Obi, who was represented by the country representative of Stakeholder Democratic Network (SDN) Mr. Inemo Samuma, also urged the Federal Government to revoke the license of the company.
According to the group, “NAOC has a track record of being insensitive to the environment in their operations. In December 2013 and February 2014, two oil spills occurred in Egbebiri Community in Biseni clan Yenagoa local government area.
“The first spill was not cleaned until the second one occurred. Both spills were attributed to equipment fairlure and Agip only mobilised to site when the spill had attracted public concern because of the scale” it said.
The coalition also worldered why Agip is being allowed to operate in an irresponsible manner by flouting the environmental laws of the country and disrespecting the regulation as stipulated in the oil and gas industry.
According to the group, “Agip poor track record on environmental management is known across the whole industry and we appeal to the federal authorities to put an immediate stop to this appalling behaviour.
“If the current situation continues without any serious effort by Agip oil company to deal with the problems of pipeline integrity and dilapidated equipment as well as total luck of adequate response in case of incidences, we are requesting that the federal government should revoke the licence of Nigeria Agip Oil Company to operate in the country” it said.
On his part, Professor Mark Anikpo urged the Management of Agip Oil Company to emulate other oil companies by being responsive to issues that concern the environment.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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