The Rivers House of Assembly has issued a directive to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to promptly embark on clean-up and remediation procedures in response to recent oil spills in certain communities within the state, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The decision follows a resolution from an ad-hoc committee session studying the Aleto crude oil spill incident. The findings, as presented by Committee Chairperson Dumle Maol (PDP- Gokana), established the severe oil spill from SPDC’s 28 Trans-Niger pipeline (TNT) located in Eleme zone two, within the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers.
The committee’s joint investigation with SPDC revealed that the malfunctioning pipeline, situated 5ft underground, did not appear to have been compromised by any security breach. SPDC has reportedly provided some relief supplies to the affected communities, but the committee insists that full clean-up and remediation efforts are required as per the relevant legal provisions.
Martin Amaehule (PDP-Obio/Akpor I), Speaker of the assembly, voiced his disapproval of oil spill incidents attributable to defective pipelines and the slow response of oil companies in addressing such issues. He expressed concern about the environmental risks posed by repeated oil spills and implored SPDC and other oil exploration firms to adhere to global operational standards.
Amaehule warned, “The 10th assembly will not stand idly by while Rivers people bear the brunt of any company’s operational negligence.”
The oil spill has notably impacted the Eleme communities of Aleto, Agbonchia, Akpajo, Okerewa, Njuru, and the coastal areas of Okujagu-Ama.
SOURCE: Premium Times
IMAGE: All News
