The federal government has been asked by the House of Reps to stop the unprofessional disposal of seized stolen crude oil
The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to halt environmental hostile practice and adopt eco-friendly and professional method of disposing of crude oil and allied materials seized, in the course of security operations.
It also urged the security agents to include environmental experts to supervise the disposal of seized crude which could, as well, be reabsorbed into the national oil stock, to minimize the incidents of crude oil spills and curb further pollution of the Niger Delta environment.
The House further urged the national assembly to consider an amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 to mandate oil companies to reserve a quota of employment opportunities for eligible indigenes of host communities. According to the lawmakers, this measure would provide economic security to host communities and discourage acts such as pipeline vandalism.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake (PDP Bayelsa), who decried the increasing theft of crude oil and the proliferation of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, which resulted in daily losses of billions of naira.
The rep noted reports of alleged complicity of some security personnel tasked with combating oil theft and expressed deep concern over the harmful practice of reintroducing seized crude oil into the environment and the incineration of vessels and illegal refineries without proper procedures. These practices, she warned, exacerbate the already devastated ecosystem in the Niger Delta, proving ineffective in deterring crude oil theft and environmental pollution.
“The combined effects of illegal refineries, oil theft, and the unprofessional disposal of crude oil and allied materials by the Joint Task Force are directly contributing to the rising levels of toxicity in the Niger Delta environment,” Ebikake stated.
She further elaborated on the consequences, citing expert opinions linking these practices to the depletion of mangrove vegetation, poor crop yields, destruction of aquatic life, and increased health risks, including “the rising cases of neonatal mortality, liver and lung poisoning, breathing difficulties, kidney damage, skin ulcers caused by acid rain, increased blood pressure, and muscle weakness are alarming,” she added.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Brass/Nembe federal constituency Bayelsa State, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Rep. Ebikake throughout the 10th House here
