Investigation Ordered into Oil Spill Allegations in B-Dere Community
The Rivers State Assembly has initiated an investigation into allegations that the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited failed to address oil spills that severely impacted the B-Dere community within the Gokana Local Government Area. The assembly raised concerns after receiving a petition from the community, which was submitted through their Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Hamilton Odom & Co.
The petition was signed by ESV Hamilton Odom and presented before the House by the Deputy Speaker. Speaker Martins Amaewhule referred the petition to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, which is chaired by Dr. Enemi Alabo George.
Details of the Oil Spill Incident
In the petition, the community recalled that an oil spill occurred on May 7th, 2025, along the 24 Ogale-Bomu Pipeline that runs through their area. A joint team of officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and representatives from the affected community investigated the incident and identified the cause as equipment failure.
The petitioners highlighted the severe consequences of the spill, stating that it had a devastating impact on the vegetation in the area. They explained that the toxic hydrocarbons in the oil penetrated plant tissues, disrupting physiological functions and impairing water and nutrient intake. This led to stunted growth, plant mortality, and hindered regeneration, particularly affecting young plants and seedlings.
Additionally, the spill contaminated underground water sources and disrupted economic activities such as farming, leading to significant loss of income and livelihoods. The community also reported psychological trauma and stress, with long-term effects on mental health and well-being.
Lack of Action from the Oil Company
Despite these adverse effects, the petitioners stated that the oil company had not made any effort to clean up the affected areas or provide compensation to the affected people. They noted that the company’s indifference and silence were particularly concerning, especially following a deadlock in discussions between the company’s representatives and the community regarding a fair compensation sum.
The community urged the House of Assembly to address the matter urgently, insisting that Renaissance Africa Energy Limited should bear sole responsibility for the spill since it resulted from an equipment failure. They requested lawmakers to hold the company accountable for the environmental damage caused by the spill.
Demands for Compensation and Remediation
The community demanded immediate appraisal and payment of compensation for their economic losses, damage to their livelihoods, and the environmental degradation caused by the company’s negligence. They also asked lawmakers to engage the company to ensure a comprehensive cleanup, remediation, and restoration of the affected land, underground water, and environment.
Committee’s Response
Dr. Enemi Alabo George, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, who received the petition, stated that his committee would give it speedy consideration.