The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has commenced steps to verify environmental concerns raised by the Coalition of Ilaje Communities under the Mahin Kingdom in Ondo State.
The Director-General/Chief Executive of NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, disclosed ths when he received representatives of the Coalition at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Prince Taiwo Aiyedatiwa, presented concerns relating to coastal erosion, ocean surge, declining fisheries and historical oil spill incidents affecting the communities.
The Coalition also raised concerns over the Bonga oil spill of 2011 and the Ororo-1 wellhead matter involving OML 95, while seeking remediation and compensation for affected communities.
Woke explained that some of the issues raised were outside NOSDRA’s statutory mandate and would require the intervention of other relevant agencies.
He listed the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ecological Funds Office and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) among institutions that may need to intervene in matters outside the Agency’s mandate.
The DG/CE also noted that the Bonga and Ororo-1 matters were currently before the courts, limiting the Agency’s ability to comment further on the cases.
He, however, assured the delegation that NOSDRA would review the issues within its statutory responsibilities.
Woke said the Agency’s technical departments would review the Coalition’s submission, while a verification and assessment visit would be conducted in the affected communities.
He said the visit would enable the Agency to obtain first-hand information on the concerns raised and determine appropriate action within its mandate.
The Ilaje leadership, on its part, agreed to facilitate the security of NOSDRA personnel during the planned field assessment.
