Oil Spill Investigation Launched in Rivers State as Community Alleges Corporate Negligence
The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated an investigation into alleged environmental negligence by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited following devastating oil spills in B-Dere community, Gokana Local Government Area.
The legislative probe comes in response to a formal petition submitted by Hamilton Odom & Co., Estate Surveyors and Valuers, representing the B-Dere community, which has endured decades of environmental degradation due to oil exploration activities in the Ogoni region.
Following the petition’s presentation by the Deputy Speaker, House Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule directed the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, led by Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George, to conduct a thorough investigation.
The community reported that on May 7th, 2025, a significant oil spill occurred along the 24 Ogale-Bomu Pipeline traversing their territory. A subsequent joint assessment by the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and community representatives determined that equipment failure caused the leak.
According to the petition, the environmental impact has been severe. The spill caused widespread vegetation damage, including plant death and defoliation. Toxic hydrocarbons disrupted plant physiological functions, impeding water and nutrient absorption, which particularly affected young plants and seedlings.
The community also detailed broader consequences, including groundwater contamination and disruption of agricultural activities. These impacts have resulted in significant income losses and created psychological distress among residents, potentially causing long-term effects on the community’s mental health and overall well-being.
This investigation highlights ongoing environmental challenges in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions and raises questions about corporate responsibility in managing oil infrastructure and responding to environmental disasters. The outcome of the probe could have significant implications for both the affected community and environmental governance in Rivers State.
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