Malam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, Minister of Environment, has commended the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) for its outstanding performance and dedication to environmental protection.
This is as the Agency unveiled its Compendium of Achievements and relaunched the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister said NOSDRA was reflecting Nigeria’s collective commitment to safeguard the environment, promote institutional accountability, and advance sustainable development in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the Compendium and updated ESI Map provides a transparent record of NOSDRA’s performance and underscore the Federal Government’s drive toward evidence-based environmental governance and data-driven decision-making.
Abbas-Lawal disclosed that NOSDRA conducted 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs), recovered 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 recorded spills, and issued 660 Closeout Certificates for major clean-up projects including Bodo and HYPREP.
He also commended the Agency’s recognition as the top-performing MDA in Nigeria’s 2024 Transparency and Integrity Index, repeating its remarkable feat from 2023.
The minister, who decried the growing menace of artisanal refining, which accounts for about 82 per cent of oil spills nationwide, urged NOSDRA to intensify surveillance, community engagement, and enforcement to curb the practice.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued support for NOSDRA in promoting a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable oil and gas industry across Nigeria.
Mr Edward Omo-Erewa, the Chairman of the NOSDRA Governing Board, described NOSDRA’s achievements as a clear demonstration of effective leadership, teamwork, and dedication to national service.
Omo-Erewa commended the Agency’s proactive approach to oil spill response and environmental monitoring, which had earned it national and international recognition.
He called for continued collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and host communities to promote transparency, accountability, and environmental sustainability in the oil and gas sector.
The Director-General of NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke, commended the minister, the Governing Board, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and collaboration.
He said the unveiling of the Compendium and relaunch of the ESI Map represent not only a documentation of achievements but also a reaffirmation of NOSDRA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship.
Woke said that the Compendium captures the Agency’s major milestones across policy implementation, capacity development, enforcement, and technological innovation.
He explained that NOSDRA would continue to leverage on technology to enhance oil spill response efficiency through platforms such as the Oil Spill Monitor, Gas Flare Tracker, and Methane Emission Tracker, which provide real-time environmental data for regulatory action.
He noted that NOSDRA’s efforts have strengthened collaboration with key partners, including international organisations, oil companies, and local communities, leading to improved remediation practices and stronger environmental governance.
According to him, the agency has also invested heavily in staff training and institutional reforms, ensuring that its workforce remains well-equipped to address emerging environmental challenges.
The DG stressed that the relaunch of the ESI Map was a major step forward in Nigeria’s environmental management system.
He said that the new version integrated geospatial and socio-economic data to identify sensitive areas, and enable timely and coordinated responses to oil spill incidents.
He reaffirmed NOSDRA’s readiness to deepen inter-agency collaboration and uphold international best practices in protecting Nigeria’s environment.
Woke dedicated the Agency’s achievements to the collective efforts of its staff and stakeholders, reiterating his administration’s determination to sustain the momentum of transparency, innovation, and accountability.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
