Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke, Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has issued a strong warning to oil companies, emphasizing that they must comply with environmental regulations or face severe legal consequences.
Woke made the remarks during a familiarization visit to NOSDRA’s Port Harcourt Zonal Headquarters on Monday, September 2. He addressed the ongoing challenges faced by the agency in the region, reiterating that NOSDRA, established by law, is mandated by the Federal Government to oversee the oil industry’s environmental practices.
“No oil company is above the law,” Woke asserted. “We will hold every operator accountable for their actions and ensure that they adhere to the strictest standards of environmental responsibility.”
He assured that his leadership would not be swayed by industry pressure or vested interests. “I am committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all oil industry operators, including International Oil Companies (IOCs), comply with NOSDRA’s regulations,” he said.
Woke further addressed concerns raised by the head of the NOSDRA reference laboratory, emphasizing his stance: “I want to assure you that I am not the type of DG that any oil company can easily manipulate. NOSDRA is a statutory body, not a private entity. We represent the Federal Government in regulating oil industry operations related to pollution and spills.”
He added, “If companies believe they can circumvent these regulations, they are mistaken. We expect full cooperation, including granting access to sampling and providing accurate results. Be assured that you are protected as long as you are committed to your work.”
This statement comes in the wake of a recent incident involving Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDCNL), which confirmed a spillage on its Trans Niger Pipeline in Elelenwo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The company attributed the spillage to a pipeline leak.
Residents of Elelenwo have reported significant damage to their farmlands and underground water due to the spill, a situation supported by local opinion leader Martin Enwuka.
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