Rivers Tasks IOCs to Apply Safety Measures in Oil Exploration
Nelson Chidiebere
Rivers State ministry has assured that joint visit inspection will be jointly carried out with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) and other relevant agencies.
The Commissioner of Energy and Natural Resources, Uche Nwafor gave the assurance when he led his team on an on-the-spot assessment of the gas explosion site recently.
Nwafor who frowned at activities of gas flaring within the area, also confirmed to newsmen that no casualties were recorded from Wednesday’s gas pipeline explosion said to be owned by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company(NAOC).
He said: “The inspection of the gas explosion in Obagi community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State reveals that the facility is owned by Agip Oil Company. We thank God no life was lost because the gravity of the explosion was massive.
I and my team from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources paid a courtesy call to the paramount ruler of Obagi town who directed his people to take us to the place on a tour to the location of the explosion.
I use this medium to call all the IOCs and other indigenous companies operating in Rivers State to apply all safety measures in carrying out their activities to protect lives and property.”
However, residents have accused the oil companies of not carrying out their corporate social responsibilities and complying with environmental management plans in line with operational activities as it affects the host communities
