The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the management of funds allocated for oil spill clean-up projects in the Niger Delta region.

The move follows growing concerns that despite billions of naira spent over the years, oil-producing communities continue to suffer environmental pollution, loss of livelihoods, and economic hardship.

Speaking at the inauguration of an ad hoc committee to probe the alleged mismanagement of the clean-up funds on Friday, the committee chairman, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, said the exercise reflects the House’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and environmental justice.

Etteh described the probe as a “significant national responsibility,” noting that the initiative aims to uncover why huge allocations meant to restore the Niger Delta environment have failed to yield meaningful results.
“The Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold hardship due to oil exploration and frequent spills. In response, various government agencies were established to handle environmental remediation and clean-up operations,” he said.
“Unfortunately, reports of mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor coordination have overshadowed these interventions. Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not achieved the desired impact, leaving affected communities in despair and public confidence eroded.”

He explained that the committee’s mandate includes investigating the use of the clean-up funds, assessing the performance of relevant government agencies, and recommending reforms for sustainable remediation.
“Our objectives are clear: to examine the utilization of funds designated for environmental remediation, evaluate the execution of clean-up projects, identify institutional lapses, and engage all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society groups,” he added.

Etteh assured that the probe would be conducted with fairness and transparency, emphasizing that the committee plans to undertake field visits to verify the state of clean-up projects across impacted communities.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, who was represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Kumo, tasked the committee to determine the competence of those entrusted with managing the clean-up funds.

He said the investigation should provide clarity on the causes of mismanagement and ensure accountability in the process.
“We have to examine the capacity of those managing the clean-up funds and understand the causes of the lapses. It is also important to establish whether accountability was maintained in the management of the resources,” the Speaker said.

He expressed confidence that the committee would carry out its work with fairness and integrity and deliver recommendations capable of ensuring lasting environmental remediation in the Niger Delta.