Environmental rights group, Save the Earth and Secure the Future (SESF), has reiterated its demand for N50 billion compensation and full cleanup of affected communities, and investigation of concerned National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) officials over perceived “ecocide” linked to multiple oil spills in OML 40.
In a statement signed by Mr. Nehemiah Tobolayefa and Mrs. Tari Gideon, the group accused Nigeria Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and ELCREST of failing to clean up the October 28, 2023 spill and two subsequent spills, as well as allegedly dumping hazardous waste around the Opuama Flow Station.
“They have become the mouthpiece of the companies. A rat defends the snake that bites him, while the forest burns,” the group said, criticising community leaders who recently defended the operators.
SESF said a joint investigation visit occurred nearly two weeks after the 2023 spill and confirmed equipment failure. It cited earlier petitions and press briefings by community elders in 2024 which it said were ignored by the companies.
The group invoked Section 54 of the Petroleum Industry Act and EGASPIN guidelines to argue that NEPL and ELCREST are legally responsible for cleanup, including so-called legacy spills.
It also claimed rising deaths and cancer cases in the area, referencing the UNEP Ogoniland report.
Efforts to get reactions from NEPL and NOSDRA were unsuccessful, as both did not respond to earlier messages seeking comments on the matter.
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