To curb environmental pollution, the Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources has asked International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the state to ensure strict compliance with standards.
Uche Nwafor, the state Commissioner of Energy and Natural Resources made the call when he visited the location of the gas pipeline explosion at Obagi Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni council of the state.
Nwafor, who frowned at activities of gas flaring within the area told journalists that no casualty was recorded in the incident that occurred on January 13 involving a pipeline owned by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC).
He said, “I use this medium to call on 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.”
The Commissioner also gave the assurance after he led his team on an on-the-spot assessment of the gas explosion that a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) will be jointly carried out with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and other relevant agencies.
He added: “I and my team from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources paid a courtesy call to the paramount ruler of Obagi town Eze Clinton Elemele who directed his people to take us to the place on a tour of the location of the explosion.
“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 really massive.”
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.
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