A Non-governmental organization, Stakeholders Alliance for Corporate Accountability (SACA) has again expressed its commitment towards a continued sensitization campaigns on the effects of oil spill in the Niger Delta region.
The Executive Director of SACA, Mr Kingsley Ozegbe made the recommitment on Thursday 13th July at the programme held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, tagged: ‘Triggers of Human Rights and Community Gatekeepers Action Reflection Forum’
Niger Delta Herald reports that the event was part of SACA’s resolve to pushing forward the need to end oil spillages in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of SACA noted that the programme was a component of the implementation of the United Nations (UN), guiding principles on Business and Human Rights in conflict and post-conflict contexts in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
He said the UN project is otherwise refered to as project ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy-UNGP-P2R.’
Mr. Ozegbe expressed his concerns over the effects of oil spills on humans, aquatic life and the entire environment, saying that the NGO’s quest in carrying out continuous sensitization against the menace of oil spills was hinged on the apparent reasons to end the threat posed by spills caused either through third party interference on oil facilities on one hand, and equipment failure on the other hand.
He said: ” This project began in 2022, and it’s expected to last for three years. So far we have 70 communities that we’re expected to sensitize on this project as well as other programmes. Although, we are yet to reach all, but we have been to more than 30 communities in the course of this project. Today, we’ve invited the leadership of 40 communities to participate in this programme.” Niger Delta Herald that SACA is funded by Misean Cara of the Republic of Ireland and is also supported by the Catholic Bishops as well as the St. Patrick’s Missionary Societies.
Also speaking, the representatives of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment; Engr. Enai Reuben, Director of Petroleum and Pollution; Dr Okoya Embasi, acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture; and Dr. Stow Jones, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, cautioned against the menace of oil spills.
The trio noted that the spills, while causing several health challenges, also lead to loss of food security and cause a meriad of environmental degradation in addition to biological problems in the form of neonatal deformities and deaths, amongst others. They called on the public to desist forthwith from activities leading to oil spills in their domains.
In a presentation made by the State Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), DSC. Diri Solomon Ogbere, he stated that the Corp is committed to ending the menace of spills, noting also that the NSCDC was established to protect critical national assets and infrastructure like oil facilities against vandalism, hence the collaboration of NGOs such as SACA, host communities and all stakeholders is needed to checkmate the threat posed by vandals in order to forestall the occurrence of oil spills.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), has given the indication that it was ever ready to synergize with stakeholders in its relationship with the host communities to end oil spills.
The head, Stakeholders Management and Community Development Division of the NAOC, Mrs Diepreye Torubiri made this known while making the company’s presentation on its grievance mechanism at the SACA’s programme.
She said:”Regarding the issue of inadequate information on the part of the host communities on how, and where to channel your grievances to, every complain or question directed at NAOC should be put in writing and submitted through a credible and recognized body; SACA, CLO or NAOC offices for further actions to be taken”
Highpoints of the event were, the presentation of a video clip on the processes involved in cracking of crude oil in petrochemical refineries, by the programmes manager of SACA, Mr Augustine Anyio, as well as a presentation by the SACA Due Delligence and Human Rights Committee.
Other highpoints included, open discussions, reflection, experience sharing actions, questions and answers, and feedback sessions on grieviances submitted by communities to NAOC, amongst others.