- It caused extensive damage to land, waterways, aquatic life, fishing equipment, and drinking water
Residents of Oporoza, Okpele-Ama/Tebujor, Ikpokpo, and other communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, have raised concerns over an oil spill they claim originated from the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company Limited (NPSC)/NNPC Escravos-Warri crude oil trunkline.
According to Sahara Reporters, the spill, which occurred on 10 August 2024 at Atanba, Gbaramatu Kingdom, has caused extensive damage to land, waterways, aquatic life, fishing equipment, and drinking water.
In a protest letter addressed to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, the Director General of NOSDRA, and other relevant authorities, the communities’ solicitor, Eric Omare, expressed frustration at what they describe as neglect by the oil companies.
The communities stated that after reporting the spill to NPSC/NNPC pipeline surveillance workers on 11 August 2024, they requested a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), but claim that NPSC/NNPC failed to take prompt action.
The letter reads: “Contrary to established international standards in the oil and gas industry, your company has failed to report the spillage to NOSDRA for a Joint Investigation Visit to determine the cause of the spill and take necessary steps.”
The communities further allege that instead of conducting the required JIV with relevant stakeholders, NPSC/NNPC mobilized its contractor, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, to begin repairs without proper investigation.
They warn that the spill’s spread, driven by strong river currents, continues to impact several communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
The communities are demanding urgent clean-up and remediation efforts, provision of relief materials, and fair compensation. “We urge NPSC/NNPC and relevant authorities to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit immediately,” the letter adds.
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