Reps investigate oil firms for harm to host communities’ ecology

The House of Representatives has decided to look into oil corporations that are harming host communities’ environments.

Ahmadu Jaha had made a motion on Wednesday during plenary, and that motion was followed by the decision to begin the probe.

Mr. Jaha, who proposed the motion, claimed that several oil corporations operating in Nigeria had been breaking existing rules, particularly the PIA.

According to Mr. Jaha, Section 233 of the PIA “provides for the establishment of a fund for the mitigation of negative environmental impacts associated with the decommissioning or abandonment of oil and gas fields and assets.”

He claimed that the majority of oil firms regularly and illegally abandon non-viable platforms and facilities at their operations locations.

Jaha continued, “The abandoned facilities are preventing water transportation, putting farmers in unthinkable danger.”

The House then ordered the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to look into the environmental harm brought on by non-compliance after adopting the resolution.

The deputy speaker, Ben Kalu, presided over the meeting.