The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has
completed 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs), recovered 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 spills, and issued 660 Closeout Certificates for major clean-up projects.
The projects include those in Bodo and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) sites.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, disclosed this during the public unveiling of the Agency’s Compendium of Achievements and the relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map in Abuja.
He celebrated the Agency’s recognition as the top-performing MDA in Nigeria’s Transparency and Integrity Index for both 2023 and 2024, describing it as a remarkable achievement of institutional excellence.
Acknowledging the agency’s successes, the Minister expressed concern about the rising issue of artisanal refining, responsible for about 82 percent of oil spills in the country, urging NOSDRA to step up surveillance, community engagement, and enforcement efforts to combat this harmful practice.
He reaffirmed his Ministry’s support for NOSDRA in its mission to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable oil and gas industry.
Speaking, Mr. Edward Omo-Erewa, Chairman of the NOSDRA Governing Board, congratulated Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke and the entire staff for their professionalism and achievements, noting that it signifies effective leadership and teamwork.
He observed that NOSDRA’s proactive approach and consistent recognition both nationally and internationally prove its operational excellence.
In his remarks, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA),Director-General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, expressed gratitude to the Minister, the Governing Board, and all stakeholders.
He said that the Compendium and ESI Map relaunch not only record progress across policy, capacity building, and enforcement but also reaffirm the agency’s commitment to transparency and stewardship of the environment.
He mentioned the agency’s reliance on technological innovation, citing platforms like the Oil Spill Monitor, Gas Flare Tracker, and Methane Emission Tracker to provide real-time environmental data.
He noted that the relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map marks significant progress, as the new version combines geospatial and socio-economic data to enhance timely and coordinated responses to oil spills.
He attributed the agency’s success to the collective commitment of its staff and stakeholders, assuring that NOSDRA would sustain its culture of accountability and innovation.
