Reps Invites NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd Over Environmental Pollution In Rivers

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Julius Pondi, released the invitation in Abuja.

He said that the summons was in response to a petition from stakeholders regarding environmental degradation and pollution caused by oil drilling activities in Buguma and Degema areas of Rivers State.

The committee had earlier received a formal complaint against NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd over a fire and oil spill incident in Buguma, Degema Local Government Area.

The lawmakers invited relevant stakeholders and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to deliberate on grievances raised by the Bukuma community in Rivers but they did not show up.

The community has accused NNPC of failing to implement a 2021 court judgment mandating the grouping of oil-producing communities into clusters for development purposes.

The Committee is expected to hear from all parties involved and take necessary steps to address the environmental concerns and alleged neglect of affected communities.