Rivers Assembly Probes Oil Firm Over Alleged Neglect of Ogoni Oil Spill Cleanup
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Rivers State House of Assembly has begun an official investigation into allegations that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited failed to clean up an oil spill that severely impacted B-Dere Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoniland.
The legislative action follows a petition submitted by the affected community through its estate valuers, Hamilton Odom & Co., and presented on the floor of the House by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol. Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule subsequently referred the matter to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, chaired by Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George.
Spill Linked to Equipment Failure
According to the petition, the oil spill occurred on May 7, 2025, along the 24 Ogale–Bomu pipeline that runs through B-Dere. A Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) involving the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and community representatives confirmed that the spill was caused by equipment failure.
The document detailed that the spill caused extensive environmental damage—destroying vegetation, polluting soil and groundwater, and disrupting agriculture and other livelihoods. The contamination reportedly led to plant defoliation, stunted growth, and mass death of young plants, while residents suffered psychological and economic distress from the loss of their farmlands and water sources.
Community Alleges Negligence, Demands Accountability
The petitioners accused Renaissance Africa Energy of failing to initiate cleanup or compensation months after the spill, despite holding an initial meeting that ended without resolution. They described the company’s response as one of “indifference and silence.”
The community urged lawmakers to compel the company to take full responsibility for the spill, conduct an immediate cleanup and environmental restoration, and compensate affected residents for their economic and livelihood losses.
Assembly Promises Swift Action
Receiving the petition, Committee Chairman Dr. Enemi Alabo George assured the B-Dere community that the Assembly would give the issue prompt and thorough attention. He emphasised that environmental accountability and community welfare remain key priorities of the legislature.
The investigation by the Rivers Assembly is expected to assess the extent of damage, review the company’s compliance with environmental regulations, and determine necessary sanctions or directives.
Background: A Region Long Scarred by Pollution
B-Dere lies within Ogoniland, a region historically affected by decades of oil pollution. The latest incident renews concerns over the slow pace of environmental remediation and the persistent neglect of host communities in Nigeria’s oil-producing areas.
Background: A Region Long Scarred by Pollution
B-Dere lies within Ogoniland, a region historically affected by decades of oil pollution. The latest incident renews concerns over the slow pace of environmental remediation and the persistent neglect of host communities in Nigeria’s oil-producing areas.
As the Assembly’s investigation proceeds, residents and environmental advocates are calling for stronger enforcement of cleanup standards and better corporate accountability to prevent further environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
