NOSDRA: Oil producers ignoring pollution complaints from host communities

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) says oil producers are ignoring its invitations over pollution complaints from host communities.

Chukwuemeka Woke, NOSDRA’s director-general and chief executive, spoke when stakeholders, under the aegis of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), visited the agency’s headquarters in Abuja recently.

Speaking at the meeting, Woke criticised the indifferent attitude of certain OPTS members towards honouring invitations from the agency regarding complaints from host communities about oil pollution issues.

“As an agency, we need to address the neglect from some of your members in responding to our invitations concerning these critical issues,” he said.

Woke said the NOSDRA is often the closest agency involved when such matters arise, and neglecting to engage with the agency can escalate tensions with communities and may lead to sanctions from regulatory authorities.

The director-general said closer cooperation among key stakeholders — including the NOSDRA, oil companies, and host communities — would play a vital role in overcoming these challenges.

He, therefore, urged the OPTS to undertake community education and outreach initiatives to raise awareness about petroleum-related crimes, such as pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering.

This, Woke said, is essential to effectively address the issues and promote social harmony in oil-producing communities.

The director-general, who acknowledged the “strong” cooperation between the agency and the association, assured the OPTS that his agency would maintain and enhance the collaborative spirit, expressing optimism for a significant improvement in their working relationship.

“As a major stakeholder, we have no choice but to partner with your association,” Woke said.

Woke also said while the primary objective is to maximise oil and gas production to stimulate robust economic growth in the country, the importance of ensuring environmental sustainability — NOSDRA’s core mandate — cannot be overlooked.

On his apart, Gwueke Ajaifia, OPTS’ executive director, spoke on potential areas of collaboration between the agency and the group, which comprises 25 indigenous oil companies and five foreign operators in Nigeria.

He also expressed the OPTS’s commitment to prioritising environmental conservation within the petroleum industry.

Ajaifia said a collaborative relationship with the NOSDRA plays a crucial role among regulatory bodies due to its statutory mandate in environmental management and pollution control.

He highlighted pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, insecurity, and excessive taxation as key challenges in the industry.

“NOSDRA is a vital partner in fostering a regulatory environment that upholds acceptable standards and international best practices to attract investment in the sector,” Ajaifia said.

Ajaifia also congratulated Woke on his recent appointment, describing the feat as a reflection of the government’s confidence in his leadership.