Curb Illegal Refining Activities In Niger Delta, Minister Urges NOSDRA

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to intensify efforts, curb illegal refining activities, and strengthen community engagement in the Niger Delta region.

The minister who made the call yesterday at the presentation of the NOSDRA’s Compendium of Achievements and the relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI).

The map in Abuja also advised the Agency to enhance its surveillance to prevent and promptly respond to oil spill incidents nationwide.

While commending the Agency for its excellent performance as a top-performing agency among 500 MDAs in the 2024 Nigeria Transparency and Integrity Index, the minister urged them to deploy that excellence in addressing the growing impact of artisanal refining in the Niger Delta region. He stressed that it remains a significant concern, accounting for about 82% of recorded spills, while equipment failure and

operational errors make up the remaining 18 per cent.

The Minister, who was impressed by the outcome of the Agency’s presentation, emphasised that the occasion is not just a showcase of progress but also a reflection of their collective commitment and reaffirmation of Nigeria’s resolve to protect the environment, strengthen institutional accountability, and uphold the principles of sustainable development.

Lawal said the Compendium and the relaunch of the ESI Map provide a clear and transparent record of NOSDRA’s performance, institutional growth, and impact, all of which align with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This initiative is not merely a documentation of achievements but a demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to evidence-based environmental governance. It reinforces our shared determination to institutionalise data-driven decision-making, deepen

environmental accountability, and advance sustainable resource management across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions”, he said.

“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.

“I understand that NOSDRA’s field achievements during the period under review includes: The successful conduct of 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs); The recovery of an estimated 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 recorded spills; and The simultaneous monitoring of major clean-up projects, including Bodo, HYPREP Phase One in Ogoniland, and others, leading to the issuance of 660 Close out Certificates”, the minister added.