National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has trained members of oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta region on monitoring and reporting of oil spills impact on their environment.

The training, which was organised by the agency in conjunction with an international Non-Governmental Organisation, Social Action, noted that the training was important due to conflicts associated with oil exploration and exploitation in the communities.

Speaking at a two-day training in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NOSDRA Zonal Director, Ime Ekanem, said certain controversial issues surround oil spill, especially divergent claims during Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) and it has imperative to teach communities how to monitor and evaluate the impact of oil spill in their environment to enable them report such spills to relevant agencies for quick response.

Represented by a director in the agency, Ukpenevi Solomon, he said: “The essence of the training is to train community members on exposure to oil spill awareness and preparedness on how to respond and report spills when they notice it in their communities.

“We also trained them on JIV and the role of the community representative is in the Joint Investigation Team.”

Communication Manager for Social Action, Peter Mazzi, noted that due to contrasting reports from JIVs in most communities, it became necessary to train communities on international best practices when spills occur.

One of the trainees, Sebastian Kpalab, described the training as very beneficial.