The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, has warned that the House will no longer tolerate oil companies that refuse to appear before its committees.
This warning came during the opening of the joint House Committee on Environment and Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Petroleum (Downstream) investigative hearing in Abuja, which focused on the environmental impact of transporting crude oil and oil spillages in the Niger Delta, involving Aiteo E & P and Oando Oil Ltd (formerly Nigerian Agip Oil Company).
Hon Abbas Represented by Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Bello Kumo,directed the committee to use all legislative powers to ensure compliance from those summoned and urged them to thoroughly investigate oil spill incidents in Nigeria.
Hon Pondi Gbabador , Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, emphasized that the hearing aim to address serious environmental concerns affecting both the affected communities and the nation.
He said while the oil industry plays a vital role in the economy, it should not come at the expense of the environment or the well-being of host communities.
The House had previously passed motions urging oil companies such as Aiteo E & P and Oando to conduct environmental impact assessments and provide compensation to affected communities for oil spill damages.
The committee was tasked with ensuring compliance and reporting back within four weeks.
Despite multiple invitations, the CEOs of Aiteo and Oando failed to attend the hearing, prompting the House to issue a seven-day ultimatum to Mr. Wale Tinubu, CEO of Oando PLC, and the management team of Aiteo, led by Victor Okoronkwo to appear before the committee and address concerns about oil spillages.
During the session, representatives from the Ministry of Environment and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Commission highlighted the need for better coordination, technological upgrades, and regular monitoring of oil operations to prevent spillages.
The absence of top executives from the oil companies was criticized, underscoring the seriousness of the environmental issues at hand.
