By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has launched an investigation into the alleged careless disposal of base oil and drilling mud in Iriebe and Igbo-Etche communities in Rivers State.
The Director-General and Chief Executive of NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, disclosed this in a press statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the careless disposal poses serious risks to the environment, public health, and safety, and violates the Agency’s Oil Spill and Oily Waste Management Regulations (S.I. 26 of 2011).
He said NOSDRA has initiated preliminary site assessments and environmental sampling in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and other relevant stakeholders.
“The Agency is committed to a full investigation and will ensure that any person or group found culpable is sanctioned in accordance with applicable provisions. NOSDRA reminds operators, contractors, and service providers of their legal obligations under national regulations and expects them to adopt best environmental practices at all times.
“The Agency calls on community members, industry workers, and the public to remain vigilant and report incidents of illegal waste disposal, pipeline vandalism, or oil spills immediately. Reports can be made via:
- Telephone: 08168308826, 08156260257
- Email: phdesk@nosdra.gov.ng
