Reps urge NNPCL to commence clean up of Bukuma, Degema in Rivers

The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to begin the clean-up of communities affected by a recent oil spill and fire incident.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Julius Gbabojor, made this statement on Thursday in Abuja, following a hearing on a petition against the activities of NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited (NEOL).

Reports indicate that the spill occurred at Well 8, Bukuma, in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Gbabojor directed the NNPCL and NEOL to provide immediate relief by supplying essential materials to the affected communities.

The chairman further stated that the committee had granted the NNPCL and NEOL a three-week extension to ensure a fair hearing and allow them the right of reply regarding the ongoing discussions.

“As you may be aware, this hearing has been convened by the Committee on Environment to address a formal complaint against NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited (NEOL).

“This pertains to the spill and fire incident at Well 8, Bukuma, Degema LGA in Rivers State, which was reported by Messrs Anosike Egbuchiwe & Associates, Legal Practitioners, on behalf of Friends of Eco Life and the affected communities.

“A gas leak was reported on 1st December 2024 at OML 18, Well 8, Bukuma, Degema LGA in Rivers State.

“Subsequently, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), consisting of NNPCL NEOL, NOSDRA, NUPRC, the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, and representatives from the Bukuma community, visited the site on 6th December 2024. During this visit, directives were issued to the operators to prevent further escalation of the situation.”

He further stated that the incident had caused severe air pollution and extensive contamination of water bodies and farmlands, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity and marine habitats.

“This has exposed both the Indigenous people and other residents of Bukuma and its surrounding areas to serious health risks and environmental hazards,” he added.

Gbabojor described the extent of the devastation as unimaginable.

According to him, the affected communities have been left in dire conditions, as economic activities such as farming and fishing came to a complete standstill for over three months.

He expressed concern that the community had no access to clean drinking water, medical care, or other basic necessities of life.

“In response to our invitation to today’s hearing, the NNPCL, in a letter dated 4th March, stated their inability to attend and requested a three-week extension to enable them to provide the necessary information and appear before the committee accordingly,” he said.