- The House of Representatives threatened arrest warrants for Aiteo and Oando after both companies failed to attend a crucial hearing on oil spills
- The committee has given the companies one week to appear, emphasizing the importance of accountability for environmental impacts in the Niger Delta
The House of Representatives joint committees investigating oil spills linked to Aiteo E & P and Oando Oil Ltd. have threatened to issue arrest warrants. The oil firms failed to attend a crucial hearing on Tuesday, raising concerns about their transparency.
Both companies were invited to explain their operations in the Niger Delta but did not show up. The Committee on Environment, chaired by Julius Pondi Gbabojor, warned that the companies have been dodging the panel’s summons.
Letters were sent earlier, and both firms asked for more time, which was granted. Despite sufficient notice, neither appeared at the hearing.
The committee has given Aiteo and Oando one more week to appear. If they fail, the House will use its legislative powers to compel their attendance.
The hearing at the National Assembly in Abuja gathered stakeholders from the oil sector, environmental experts, and government officials. Two motions in the House of Representatives earlier this year prompted it.
The first motion passed on March 12, 2024, addressed the environmental impact of crude oil transportation by Aiteo E & P. The House urged the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that Aiteo conducts a full environmental impact assessment (EIA), including input from local communities and state authorities.
The second motion, passed on July 23, 2024, highlighted an oil spill caused by Oando Oil Ltd. in the Olugboboro community in Bayelsa State. The spill has severely damaged the local environment, affecting economic trees and aquatic life.
The House called on Oando to fix the leaks, compensate the affected communities, and help restore livelihoods. Additionally, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was urged to provide relief to the area.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Gbabojor emphasized the importance of the investigation for environmental justice. He clarified that the aim was not to vilify the companies but to ensure sustainable and legal oil operations in Nigeria.
He noted that the committee’s findings would set a precedent for handling environmental issues related to industrial activities.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Chief Whip Bello Usman Kumo, stressed the seriousness of the probe, given the devastating environmental impact of oil spills. He urged the committee members to remain thorough and objective in their investigations.
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