The House of Representatives joint committees investigating the environmental consequences of crude oil transportation and oil spills allegedly caused by Aiteo E & P and Oando Oil Ltd (formerly Nigerian Agip Oil Company), on Tuesday, threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the firms following their failure to appear before the panel.
Both Aiteo E & P and Oando Oil Ltd were invited to provide detailed explanations regarding their operations in the Niger Delta region but were absent at the hearing.
Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Julius Pondi Gbabojor, who issued the warning at the opening of the investigative hearing, said the firms have been evading summons by the panel constituted to investigate their activities.
He said the panel earlier sent letters to the two firms and they requested for time which was obliged, saying that it was surprising that they failed to appear on Tuesday despite giving them enough notice for the hearing.
The committee ruled that the firms appear before the panel within one week otherwise, relevant legislative powers would be invoked to compel their appearance before the panel.
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Daily Trust reports that the hearing, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from the oil sector, environmental experts, and government agencies to discuss the serious concerns surrounding the operations of these oil companies.
The hearing was prompted by two motions presented before the House of Representatives earlier this year.
The first, titled “Environmental Impact of Transporting Crude Oil by Mega Seagoing Vessels from Nembe Creek Trunk to Offshore Crude Oil Storage in the Atlantic Ocean by Aiteo E & P,” was passed on March 12, 2024.
In this motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Environment to compel Aiteo E & P to conduct a thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA) of their operations, ensuring the inclusion of local communities and state governments in the process.
The second motion, passed on July 23, 2024, focused on the oil spillage in the Olugboboro community in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State.
The spillage, which originated from Oando Oil Ltd facilities, has devastated the local environment, damaging economic trees and aquatic life.
The House called on the oil company to stop the leakages, pay compensation to affected communities, and assist in restoring lost livelihoods.
Additionally, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was urged to provide relief materials to the affected areas.
During his welcome address, Hon. Gbabojor highlighted the investigative hearing’s significance, describing it as a crucial platform for accountability and environmental justice.
He made it clear that the committees were not there to demonize any company but to ensure that oil operations in Nigeria are sustainable and compliant with environmental laws.
“We aim to find solutions, hold the responsible parties accountable where necessary, and recommend the appropriate remedial actions,” Hon. Gbabojor stated.
The outcome of the hearing, according to the chairman, would set a significant precedent for how Nigeria addresses environmental issues related to industrial activities in the future.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, while declaring the investigative hearing opened, said the probe was critical given the impact of the impact of oil spillage on the environment.
The Speaker, who was represented by the Chief Whip, Bello Usman Kumo, charged members of the committee to be thorough and objective in the discharge of their assignments.
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