By Vincent Egunyanga, Abuja
The Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke has reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during the presentation of the agency’s report and the re-launch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map, the NOSDRA boss said the report underscores the agency’s dedication to regulatory excellence and operational transparency across the upstream, midstream, and downstream petroleum sectors.
“This report underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental protection, regulatory excellence, and operational transparency across Nigeria’s petroleum industry,” Woke stated.
He emphasised the pivotal role of the petroleum industry in Nigeria’s economy, citing its contributions to energy security, industrial growth, and national prosperity. However, he warned that the environmental consequences must not be overlooked.
“Despite the immense contributions of the petroleum sector to our national economy, we must continue to confront the environmental challenges that accompany these gains,” he said.
“Oil spills, gas flaring, and other operational impacts remain significant threats to our ecosystems and communities.”
Woke reiterated that NOSDRA’s mission is to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises environmental governance, energy transition, institutional integrity, and inclusive national development.
Highlighting NOSDRA’s achievements between January 2024 and June 2025, the agency’s Director of Planning, Policy Analysis, and Research, Dr Sola Oladipo, noted that the agency’s interventions have improved operational efficiency, reduced human error, and elevated Nigeria’s technical reputation among global environmental agencies.
He cited the Ogoni Remediation Project and the Bodo Cleanup, noting that NOSDRA has successfully certified 355 out of 363 remediation grids, paving the way for complete environmental restoration.
“This is a milestone that brings renewed hope to thousands of residents,” he said.
Oladipo also disclosed that NOSDRA had initiated a detailed forensic investigation into the Ibeno mystery spill, analysing 49 crude oil samples to trace the source.
“Our declaration that Justice for Ibeno is non-negotiable underscores our commitment to science-based enforcement and accountability,” he added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commended NOSDRA’s achievements and its collaborative relationship with oil companies.
He emphasised that while Nigeria remains committed to economic growth through oil exploration, it will not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
“We protect the environment. Despite the wealth created by oil exploration, we must not explore and destroy the environment,” the Minister said.
“Nigeria is interested in economic growth, but not at the expense of our environment.”
The Minister also lauded NOSDRA for achieving the highest ranking in the 2024 Nigeria Transparency and Integrity Index, placing it among the top-rated institutions out of over 500 public agencies nationwide.
