The Rivers State Government has warned oil companies and indeed all the multi-national firms operating in the State to desist from violating environmental laws or risk sanctions, stressing that government can no longer condone their excesses.
The Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, Dr Nyema Weli stated this Thursday while reacting to the refusal of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Limited to allow a team of officials from the ministry to inspect a spill caused by one of the company’s vessels near its operational base in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner who had earlier ordered the temporary closure of the main gate of the company, sounded it loud and clear that the Rivers State Government will no longer tolerate a situation where environmental laws are violated with impunity in the state.
He charged oil companies to hence forth ensure that any spillage emanating from their operations is reported to his office within 24 hours and directed Agip Oil Company to ensure proper remediation of the spill in the shortest possible time.
Dr Weli lauded the affected communities for reporting the spill to the government, noting that the duty of protecting the environment was a collective effort of all the people.
The spokesman for Agip, Prince Obi had after the stalemate conducted the commissioner’s team round the site of the spill, where he said one of the company’s supply vessels carrying about 18 litres of diesel sank near the operational headquarters, spilling its content into the river, thereby polluting the environment.
Obi told the commissioner that the company has commenced remedial measures to combat the spill, adding that relevant agencies on Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) had been contacted to access the situation.
He apologized to the State Government on behalf of the company for what he called the improper coordination and lack of information on the part of his company.
An emergency assessment team sent by the Ministry of Environment to inspect the spill site was reported to have been refused entry by staff of Agip, prompting the Commissioner to visit the scene himself.
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