The Federal Government has commended the top ranking recognition of the National Oil Spill Detection Agency (NOSDRA) in Nigeria’s Transparency and Integrity Index.
By Aderogba George
The Federal Government has commended the top ranking recognition of the National Oil Spill Detection Agency (NOSDRA) in Nigeria’s Transparency and Integrity Index.
Malam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, the Minister of Environment, made the commendation in Abuja, at the unveiling of NOSDRA’s compendium of achievements and relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map.
Abbas-Lawal stated that NOSDRA’s recognition as a top-performing agency in Nigeria’s transparency and integrity index for both 2023 and 2024 was a testament to its commitment to service delivery.
The minister said that under the watch of Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, NOSDRA’s Director-General, the agency had shown exceptional commitment to oil spill detection.
He said that NOSDRA’s proactive performance was a sign of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to environmental protection, accountability, and sustainable development.
Abbas-Lawal further said that the compendium and the updated ESI Map offered a clear and evidence-based record of NOSDRA’s efforts and performance.
“This aligns with the Federal Government’s move toward data-driven environmental governance.
“NOSDRA has completed 1,424 joint investigation visits, recovered 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 spills, and issued 660 closeout certificates for major clean-up projects,” he said.
The minister however expressed concern over the rising cases of artisanal refining, responsible for about 82 per cent of oil spills in the country.
He urged NOSDRA to step up surveillance, community engagement, an enforcement efforts in order to combat the harmful practice.
Abbas-Lawal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment towards supporting NOSDRA to achieve its mission of creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable oil and gas industry.
Mr Edward Omo-Erewa, the Chairman, NOSDRA Governing Board, congratulated Woke and his team for being ‘highly professional’ in the discharge of their duties.
Omo-Erewa described the successes recorded by the agency as a sign of effective leadership, resilience and teamwork.
“NOSDRA’s proactive approach and consistent recognition both nationally and internationally is a proof of its operational excellence,” he said.
In his remarks, Woke thanked the minister, the governing board, and other stakeholders for their support to the agency.
He said that the compendium and ESI Map relaunch reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency and stewardship.
The D-G stated that NOSDRA relied hugely on technological innovation and platforms such as the oil spill monitor, gas flare tracker, and methane emission tracker to provide real-time environmental data.
He ascribed the agency’s success to the combined efforts of its staff and stakeholders, and promised to maintain strong focus on accountability and innovation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)