UZERE OIL AND GAS SPILL: PJDI CALLS FOR URGENT INVESTIGATION, REMEDIATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The Porb Justice and Development Initiative (PJDI) has commenced an intervention concerning the reported oil and gas spill from Well 14 in Uzere Community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, and the environmental and livelihood concerns raised by residents of the community.

As part of our intervention, PJDI has formally written to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and Heritage Energy, requesting appropriate investigation and action concerning the incident.

PJDI believes that the immediate priority must be to establish the facts, ensure that any continuing discharge is effectively contained, determine the extent of environmental impact, undertake appropriate remediation, and address legitimate concerns of affected members of the Uzere community.

Our intervention is not intended to prejudge liability or assign blame before the relevant facts have been established. Environmental accountability requires fairness, evidence and due process.

We equally recognize that sustainable solutions require cooperation among the host community, operators, regulatory agencies and government.

PJDI therefore calls upon the relevant authorities and operator to ensure a transparent assessment of the incident and, where environmental damage is established, to ensure timely and effective remediation in accordance with applicable Nigerian laws and regulatory standards.

PJDI will continue to engage the relevant institutions, monitor developments and consult with stakeholders within the Uzere community.

Where necessary, we will undertake further fact finding, environmental accountability advocacy and other lawful interventions consistent with our mandate.

Our objective is not merely to identify responsibility. It is to ensure that the incident is properly investigated, affected areas are appropriately remediated, legitimate community concerns are addressed, and lessons from the incident contribute to stronger institutions and the prevention of future occurrences.

PJDI remains committed to environmental justice, institutional accountability, host community development and sustainable development.

Further developments will be communicated as appropriate.

Philip O. Orbih
Lawyer, Human Rights Consultant (USIDHR)
Founder & Executive Director
Porb Justice and Development Initiative (PJDI)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: porbjustice.org
Advocacy • Justice • Development