Mohammed Shosanya
The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Environment and Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream) has summoned the Managing Directors of Aiteo Exploration and Production Company, Victor Okoronkwo, and Oando Oil Ltd (formerly Nigerian Agip Oil Company), Bolondi Fabrizio,to appear within seven days.
The development follows their failure to attend hearings related to an oil spillage affecting the Olugboboro community in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, despite three previous invitations.
At the hearing in Abuja on Tuesday,Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Pondi Gbabador, expressed the lawmakers’ frustration with the non-compliance of the oil executives.
“This is not just about corporate responsibility; it’s about the health and safety of our communities.We cannot allow companies to operate without accountability, especially when lives and livelihoods are at stake”,he said
He emphasized that the Committee had been mandated to investigate the activities of the companies, whose operations are alleged to have severe environmental impacts on host communities.
“The oil industry is crucial for Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to national income, employment, and infrastructure development,” he noted.
“However, these contributions must not come at the expense of our environment or the welfare of our people.The operations of oil companies must be conducted in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner,” Gbabador added.
He reminded the attendees that the House had passed motions in March and July of 2024, urging Aiteo to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and for Agip (now Oando) to address an oil spill affecting the Olugboboro community.
The Committee is investigating oil spills in the region and the companies’ failure to comply with environmental standards. “We are here to hold responsible parties accountable,” he declared.
“Our aim is to recommend remedial actions, including compensation for affected communities and measures to prevent further environmental damage.”
Rofikat Odetoro,representing the Ministry of Environment, revealed during the session that Aiteo was operating outside of the approved EIA scope by transporting crude oil via barges instead of pipelines, as initially stipulated.
“This is a clear breach of protocol,” Odetoro remarked. “We were not informed of these changes, which raises serious concerns about compliance and oversight.”
The Committee reiterated the need for transparency from the oil companies, stressing that their activities must align with environmental laws. “We expect these companies to operate with integrity and respect for both the law and the communities they impact,” Gbabador said.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to set a precedent for how Nigeria handles industrial activities and environmental issues moving forward. Odetoro also recommended that Aiteo conduct a post-embargo assessment to evaluate the impact of their operations over the past two years.
“Understanding the long-term effects of their actions is crucial for ensuring future compliance,” she emphasized.
The Ministry has requested technical details and relevant project documents from Aiteo to aid its assessment, but these are yet to be submitted.
“We urge Aiteo to cooperate fully with this inquiry; the future of many communities depends on it,” Gbabador added.
