The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal had urged all relevant stakeholders in the Oil and Gas Sector to strengthen collaboration for effective response to Oil Spill detection in Nigeria.
Balarabe disclosed this recently in Abuja while unveiling the National Oil Spill Response and Detection Agency (NOSDRA) compendium of achievements and the relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI).
The Minister commended NOSDRA for their recent distinction as the top-performing agency amongst 500 MDAs in the 2024 Nigeria Transparency and Integrity Index, adding that the accomplishments scores the success of Mr. President’s ongoing reforms in the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ensuring public institutions operate with improved transparency and accountability for measurable impact.
He further reiterated that the Compendium and the relaunch of the ESI Map will provide a clear and transparent record of NOSDRA’s performance, institutional growth, and impact, all of which align with the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
He noted the initiative was not merely a documentation of achievements but a demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to evidence-based environmental governance, adding that it reinforces the ministry’s shared determination to institutionalise data-driven decision-making, deepen environmental accountability and advanced sustainable resource management across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.
He opined that through the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) and other innovative tools such as the Oil Spill Monitor, Gas Flare Tracker, and Satellite-Based Methane Emission Tracker, the Agency continues to demonstrate innovation, efficiency, and transparency.
“The journey toward a sustainable oil and gas industry is one that demands diligence, innovation, and integrity. NOSDRA’s progress, as reflected in this Compendium, demonstrates what is possible when an institution combines professionalism with purpose,” The Minister said.
Earlier in his opening remark, the Director General/Chief Executive of (NOSDRA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke revealed that the recent honour and relaunch of ESI Map has revealed their unwavering commitment to Environmental protection,
Regulatory excellence and Operational transparency across Nigerian’s Upstream, Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Sector.
He said Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry has played a pivotal role in the national economy, providing energy security, driving industrial growth and contributing to economic prosperity.
Chukwuemeka enjoined major stakeholders in the environmental sector to continue to confront the environmental challenges that accompany the Oil Spills, gas flaring and other operational impacts that remain threats to our Ecosystems and Communities.
He equally stated that institution-building is the foundation of sustainable progress which NOSDRA has deliberately strengthened its systems to reflect transparency, accountability, and inter-agency collaboration.
Signed
Ibrahim Haruna
Director, Information and Public Relations
