The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s environmental governance framework within the oil and gas sector, recovering over 15,000 barrels of crude oil from the spills.
This was due to the successful conduct of Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs) and simultaneous monitoring of major clean-up projects, including Bodo, Phase One in Ogoniland, and others, leading to the issuance of 660 Closeout Certificates.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, disclosed this at the Relaunch of the Environmental Index Map in Abuja, stating that the agency has played an indispensable role in protecting human health, preserving livelihoods, and maintaining the ecological integrity of Nigeria’s diverse environments.
Lawal explained that within the broader framework of the Federal Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA is a vital agency in matters of oil spills, contributing to a pivotal role in ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of ecological degradation.
“Through the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) and other innovative tools such as the Oil Spill Monitor, Gas Flare Tracker, and Satellite-Based Methane Emission Tracker, the agency continues to demonstrate innovation, efficiency, and transparency in managing oil spill responses.”
He said that NOSDRA’s recent distinction as the top-performing agency among 500 ministries, departments and agencies in the 2024 Nigeria Transparency and Integrity Index was a feat it similarly achieved in 2023.
According to the minister, this accomplishment underscores the success of Mr. President’s ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring that public institutions operate with improved transparency and accountability for measurable impact.
Earlier, the NOSDRA Director-General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, stated that the growing impact of artisanal refining remains a major concern, accounting for about 82 per cent of recorded spills, while equipment failure and operational errors make up the remaining 18 per cent.
He explained that they will remain committed to building a cleaner, safer, proactive environmental stewardship, saying, it has
promoted responsible resource management, and ensured a sustainable future for the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and implemented the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.