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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Minister of Environment Mallam Balarabe Abbas- Lawal has commended the Director General of National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Engr Chukwuemeka Woke for recovering 15,980 barrels of spilled crude oil for the nation .
The Minister also lauded other exceptional works by NOSDRA management team, unveiled the Agency’s compendium of achievements and relaunch the Environmental Sensitivity Index ( ESI) map of the Agency.
Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital at the weekend shortly after the launch in Abuja , Lawal described the event as a sign of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental protection, accountability, and sustainable development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the Compendium and the updated ESI Map provided a clear, evidence-based record of NOSDRA’s efforts.
” This aligns with the Federal Government’s move toward data-driven environmental governance
“One of the significant achievements of NOSDRA is completion of 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs), recovery of 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 spills, and issuance of 660 Closeout Certificates for major clean-up projects including those in Bodo and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) sites”.
Abbas- Lawal celebrated the Agency’s recognition as the top-performing MDA in Nigeria’s Transparency and Integrity Index for both 2023 and 2024 describing it as a remarkable achievement of institutional excellence.
He expressed concern on the rising issue of artisanal refining adding that it is responsible for about 82 per cent of oil spills in the country.
He directed NOSDRA to step up surveillance, community engagement and enforcement efforts to fight the harmful practice.
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” I reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for NOSDRA in its mission to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable oil and gas industry” .
The Minister who was accompanied by the Chairman of the NOSDRA Governing Board Mr Edward Omo- Erewa also congratulated Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke and the entire staff for their professionalism and achievements as a clear sign of effective leadership and teamwork.
Erewa observed NOSDRA’s proactive approach and consistent recognition both nationally and internationally as a prove of its operational excellence.
The Director-General Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke expressed deep gratitude for the accolades by both the Governing Board, and all stakeholders.
Woke pointed out that the Compendium and ESI Map relaunch was not only record progress across policy, capacity building, and enforcement but also reaffirm the Agency’s commitment to transparency and stewardship of the environment.
” The Agency’s reliance on technological innovation such as the Oil Spill Monitor, Gas Flare Tracker, and Methane Emission Tracker provide real-time environmental data.
“The relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map marks significant progress, as the new version combines geospatial and socio-economic data to enhance timely and coordinated responses to oil spills”.
Woke attributed the Agency’s success to the combined efforts of its staff and stakeholders, promising to maintain the focus on accountability and innovation.
