By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria has taken a significant step toward addressing the long-standing environmental and economic consequences of oil spillage, with the Federal Government inaugurating a high-level project management committee to coordinate preparations for the country’s first international summit dedicated to oil spill prevention and response.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, formally inaugurated the Joint Project Management Committee (JPMC) for the maiden Nigeria International Oil Spill Summit and Expo (NIOSS), while also unveiling the official logo of the summit and commencing preparations for the global event.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations Department, OSGF, Dewan Goshit, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the initiative was spearheaded by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) in collaboration with Green Clean Innovation Hub Limited in response to the persistent and devastating impact of oil spill incidents across the country.
He described the summit as coming at a critical moment in Nigeria’s environmental and economic history, noting that the country has endured decades of oil spill incidents with far-reaching consequences.
“This initiative comes at a critical moment in Nigeria’s environmental and economic history. For decades, the nation has borne the heavy burden of oil spill incidents, with over one thousand reported cases annually and an estimated thirteen million barrels of crude oil spilled over time,” he said.
He warned that the consequences, including environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, destruction of livelihoods, public health challenges, and economic losses, are too severe to be ignored.
Kana urged members of the nine-man committee to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, patriotism and commitment, stressing that the summit would strengthen oil spill preparedness and response capacity at national and sub-national levels.
He added that the initiative would also foster innovation, technology transfer, and investment in environmental protection, while promoting collaboration among government, industry, host communities, academia, and international partners.
According to him, the summit will further demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership in oil spill response, coastal restoration, and climate action, emphasizing the government’s commitment to science-driven, inclusive, and community-centred solutions that protect natural resources and livelihoods.
The Joint Project Management Committee, chaired by Mr Ifiok Abba, includes representatives from OSGF, NOSDRA, and Green Clean Innovation Hub Limited, and is tasked with ensuring transparency, coordination, accountability, and timely delivery of all components of the summit.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening oil spill prevention, response, and environmental restoration through the summit.
He explained that the Nigeria International Oil Spill Summit and Expo would serve as a premier multi-stakeholder platform bringing together government leaders, oil and gas operators, research institutions, investors, host communities, and environmental experts.
According to him, the summit is designed to facilitate sustainable strategies for oil spill prevention, emergency response, and ecosystem recovery, while advancing collaboration and long-term environmental resilience.
The inauguration marks the formal commencement of Nigeria’s preparations for the landmark international summit, which is expected to position the country at the forefront of global efforts to tackle oil spill challenges and promote environmental sustainability.
