Business
Oil Pollution: NNPCL Subsidiary To Appear Before Reps, March 4
The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has summoned the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Eighteen Operating Ltd. to appear before it by next Tuesday, March 4.
This followed a petition from stakeholders on the environmental degradation and pollution caused by oil drilling activities in Buguma and Degema areas of Rivers State, and subsequent refusal of the company to honor an earlier invitation of February 18.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Julius Pondi, disclosed that the summons was in response to the petition, which highlighted the devastating impact of oil drilling on the environment.
The lawmakers are taking a strong stance on environmental protection with the summons as a clear indication of their commitment to addressing the concerns of affected communities.
In addition to NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd, the committee also invited relevant stakeholders and the NNPCL to deliberate on grievances raised by the Bukuma Community in Rivers State.
The Bukuma Community accused NNPC of failing to implement a 2021 court judgment mandating the grouping of oil-producing communities into clusters for development purposes. This accusation adds to the growing list of environmental concerns and alleged neglect of affected communities.
The Committee is expected to hear from all parties involved and take necessary steps to address the environmental concerns.
This may include enforcing regulations, providing compensation to affected communities, and ensuring that oil companies operate responsibly.
Pondi stressed the need to address environmental degradation and pollution caused by oil drilling activities, insisting that the committee would take all necessary steps to ensure that the concerns of affected communities are heard and addressed.
The hearing on March 4 would provide an opportunity for NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd. and other stakeholders to respond to the allegations and provide a plan to address the environmental concerns.
The outcome of the hearing would be closely watched by environmental activists and affected communities.
Recall that the committee had earlier received a formal complaint against NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd over a fire and oil spill incident in Buguma, Degema Local Government Area.
Lady Godknows Ogbulu