The House of Representatives Committee on Environment convened a crucial public hearing in Abuja to address the recent fire and oil spill incident that occurred in Buguma, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State. The hearing aimed to investigate the causes, impacts, and necessary responses to the environmental disaster that has affected the local community.
During the session, committee members heard testimonies from various stakeholders, including affected residents, environmental experts, and representatives from oil companies operating in the region. The incident, which resulted in significant ecological damage and disruption to the livelihoods of local residents, has raised serious concerns about environmental management and corporate accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Local residents recounted the devastating effects of the fire and oil spill, highlighting health risks, contamination of water sources, and loss of agricultural land. Many expressed frustration over the lack of immediate response and support from both government and oil companies, calling for urgent action to remediate the affected areas and provide compensation for losses incurred.
Environmental experts emphasized the need for stricter regulations and monitoring to prevent future incidents. They urged the government to enforce compliance with environmental standards and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. The committee also discussed the importance of community engagement and transparency in managing oil resources.
In response, representatives from the oil companies involved acknowledged the incident and promised to collaborate with the government and local communities to address the aftermath. They expressed commitment to improving safety protocols and environmental protection measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Hon. John Doe, stressed the importance of the hearing in bringing attention to environmental issues that have long been neglected. He emphasized that the committee would work diligently to ensure that the findings of the hearing lead to actionable recommendations and lasting change.
The public hearing concluded with a call for greater accountability and proactive measures to protect the environment and the rights of affected communities. As the investigation continues, the committee plans to compile a comprehensive report detailing its findings and proposed solutions to prevent further environmental disasters in Nigeria.
L—R … Clerk House Committee on Environment, Mr Olalekan Abdulsalam ,Chairman House of Representative Committee on Environment ,Hon. Julius Pondi and a member of the Committee on Environment Hon. Muktar Shagaya, At the Public Hearing, House of Representative Committee on Environment with the relevant Stakeholders, on the Fire and oil Spill incident in Buguma ,Degena, local Government in River State, held at the National Assembly in Abuja.
L—R …Chairman House of Representative Committee on Environment ,Hon. Julius Pondi and a members of the Committee on Environment Hon. Muktar Shagaya,Hon. Saba Adam and Hon. Paul Haruna, At the Public Hearing, House of Representative Committee on Environment with the relevant Stakeholders, on the Fire and oil Spill incident in Buguma ,Degena, local Government in River State, held at the National Assembly in Abuja…PHOTOS: Anayo Opera
