The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has threatened to sanction Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) over a major oil spill at the Bonga oil field two weeks ago.??
A statement issued yesterday by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Uche Ekwunife and made available to LEADERSHIP said the committee is monitoring the cleanup of the spill and would issue sanctions where necessary.
“SNEPCO should take all necessary actions to contain the spill, protect the shoreline and other sensitivities against oil pollution and be responsive to all issues arising from this oil spill incident in accordance with the polluter-pays-principle.
“The committee is closely monitoring the ongoing response efforts led by National Oil Spill Detection and Control Agency (NOSDRA), and will not hesitate to apply maximum sanctions for any act of default on the part of the polluter in order to ensure strict compliance to environmental legislation governing oil spill management in Nigeria, and the preservation of the Nigerian environment”, she said.
The Committee which is currently monitoring the oil spill “noted with dismay the occurrence of a major oil spill on December, 20, 2011 at Bonga FPSO, a Deep Offshore facility of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO)”.
According to her, “The committee is particularly disturbed by the release of an estimated 40,000 barrels of crude oil into the marine environment, and the prospects of the oil reaching the shoreline if not properly managed”.
The committee however commended? the relevant agencies in the Ministry of Environment for their efforts to contain the spill.
“The committee wishes to commend all relevant government agencies and other stakeholders for their support to NOSDRA in the response to this major oil spill incident, and assures all Nigerians of the preparedness of Government and its Agencies to ensure safety of lives and property, as well as the preservation and protection of the Nigerian environment.”