Tinubu vows to address oil spills and gas flares in the Niger delta

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Bayelsa State Government to tackle oil spills and gas flaring in the Niger Delta. This commitment was made during the International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in Abuja, which focused on advancing the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC).

The BSOEC, led by Hon. John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu from the House of Lords, proposed that at least $12 billion be generated and invested over 12 years to address environmental and public health damage caused by oil and gas activities, while also facilitating a transition to renewable energy and alternative livelihoods in Bayelsa.

Representing Tinubu, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, emphasized the government’s dedication to minimizing ecological impact while fostering economic growth. He assured stakeholders of their commitment to clean technology and robust regulatory frameworks.

Mr. Busari Kamoru, the Director of Upstream, reiterated the administration’s commitment to the 2030 gas flare-out agenda and expressed readiness to adopt the BSOEC report for implementation, even considering changes to relevant legislation if necessary.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa criticized the detrimental impact of international oil companies (IOCs) on the state’s environment and called for the urgent implementation of the BSOEC report. He urged IOCs to fulfill their responsibilities through tangible actions and called for support from other oil-producing state governors in the fight for environmental justice.

Diri highlighted the inadequacy of Nigeria’s gas flaring regulations, noting that penalties are too low compared to the profits made by IOCs. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of environmental protections, as current policies allow companies to operate with minimal accountability.

He pointed out that while Bayelsa contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil wealth, its communities suffer from pollution and receive little in return. Diri called for IOCs to relocate their headquarters to Bayelsa to ensure they invest directly in the communities they exploit. He warned that ongoing neglect could fuel unrest among disillusioned youths, who seek accountability for their land and future, but expressed hope for a healing future for Bayelsa and other oil-producing states.