The House of Representatives on Tuesday gave a seven-day ultimatum to Mr. Wale Tinubu, CEO of Agip Petroleum Plc (now Oando Plc), and the Aiteo management over recurring oil spills in oil-producing communities.
Julius Pondi, Chairman of the Committee on Environment, issued the ultimatum during a hearing on the environmental impact of crude oil transportation by Aiteo from Nembe Creek Trunk to offshore storage. The committee is also investigating a spill at Olugboboro Community linked to Oando’s operations.
Pondi expressed frustration that Oando’s leadership had ignored prior invitations to testify. He directed the Clerk to send a stern letter mandating their appearance within seven days.
Lawmakers highlighted the devastating effects of oil spills on local livelihoods, criticizing regulatory failures and administrative issues in the Ministry of Petroleum.
Rofikat Odetoro, a director from the Ministry of Environment, condemned the oil spills’ health impacts and questioned Aiteo’s two-year permit despite ongoing spills. She urged better collaboration between regulatory agencies to protect national interests.
Ministry representatives and officials from environmental agencies stressed the need for unified efforts to address oil spills. Ibrahim Yahaya from NUPRC explained that Aiteo was granted a two-year permit to prevent significant oil production losses.
Majority Whip Bello Kumo, speaking for the Speaker, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to legislative actions to protect the environment and communities.
