Niger Delta

Environmentalists Berate Agip Over Oil Spill

Published

10 years ago

February 9, 2015

Environmental Rights
Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), has berated Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) for poor response to a reported oil spill incident at the oil firm’s field in Bayelsa State.
ERA/FoEN, an environmental rights group, in its field report on the oil spill incident dated January 28 and made available to newsmen noted that the spill occurred on January 12.
Our correspondent reports that the oil field operated by Agip is located in Kalaba Community, Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa.
According to the report signed by Head of Field Operations at ERA/FoEN, Mr Alagoa Morris, the oil firm has yet to commence remediation efforts more than two weeks after the incident occurred.
The NGO expressed regret that the oil firm had done nothing to stop the discharge of crude oil and gas into the environment.
It noted that the adjourning farmlands and surroundings have been polluted by the continued discharge of hydrocarbons into the area.
“Agip should take immediate steps to stop the spill by going to site and effect clamping.
“Agip should take all necessary steps to prevent such delays in responding to spill incidents, especially when there is no security or accessibility issues.
“Agip should ensure that steps are taken for the immediate clean-up of the impacted environment,” ERA/FoEN stated.
In an email response, Eni, which operates in Nigeria as NAOC, said the Italian energy firm attributed the spill to a sabotage of its pipeline by suspected oil thieves, adding that the oil firm was denied access by the community.
“Eni confirms that on January 13 an oil spill occurred on the Taylor Creek flowline located in Yenagoa local government area, in Bayelsa State, bringing about the immediate shut down of the feeding well.
“The Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), involving all regulatory agencies, members of the resident community and NAOC representatives, and aimed at assessing the causes and the impact on the environment of the incident, was only possible on 29/01/2015 due to the denial of access by the community to the spill site.
“The JIV report confirmed that the spill was due to sabotage, presumably for oil theft purposes. The report also confirmed a minor leakage of three barrels,” Eni stated.
It was gathered that the affected oil wells were shut down on January 29, to forestall further leakage of crude and gas into the environment.

Cross section of participants at the 14th NOA, Rivers State Roundtable at NOA Conference Room, Port Harcourt recently Photo: Prince Obinna Dele

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

4 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.

Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.

The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

4 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.

Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.

The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.

The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.

“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.

Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.

Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

4 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.

The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.

It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.

Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.

He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.

‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.

In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.

Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.