Trans-Forcados Oil Spill: Oborevwori Orders Medical Screening, Cleanup in 216 Affected Communities

Oborevwori gave the directive during an inspection visit to Odidi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, where he assessed the impact of the pollution on residents and their livelihoods.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Health to send medical personnel to the affected areas to examine residents and determine possible health consequences arising from exposure to the pollution.

He also directed Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, the company operating the affected facility, to provide medical support and relief materials to residents.

According to the governor, the intervention must go beyond the provision of relief items, with priority given to identifying and addressing health problems linked to the oil spill.

Oborevwori said the state government would continue to engage the oil company, regulatory agencies and host communities until the issues surrounding the spill were properly addressed.

He disclosed that an earlier assessment had put the number of affected communities at 86, but subsequent findings increased the figure to 216.

The governor said the operating company had assured the state government that its technical work would be completed and the cleanup concluded before the end of October.

He added that discussions on compensation and other remedial measures would follow the cleanup exercise.

Oborevwori warned that commitments made by the company must be fulfilled, assuring the affected communities that the state government would take necessary steps to ensure compliance.

He also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and pursue their grievances through dialogue and lawful channels.

The governor expressed concern over the impact of the pollution on fishing, which provides a major source of income and food for residents of the affected communities.

He noted that the disruption had contributed to reduced fish supply and higher prices.

He stressed that the response to the incident should not be limited to compensation, but must also address environmental restoration, public health and the economic losses suffered by residents.

As part of the intervention, Oborevwori approved the construction of a landing jetty for Odidi Community and directed the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area to provide a modern health centre for the community.

He further instructed the Commissioners for Oil and Gas, Chief Peter Uviejitobor, and Environment, Mr Moses Ogodo, to monitor the implementation of the directives and report progress to him.

The governor was accompanied on the inspection by Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, Commander of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Buhari, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Warri, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, and other senior security and government officials.

Meanwhile, General Manager, Operations Integrity, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, HEOSL, Nelson Wilbert, said the company was working with the state government, host communities, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, and other stakeholders to address the incident.

Wilbert said the company's immediate focus was on completing the technical work required to stop the spill and safely restore operations, including installation and pressure testing.

He added that Heritage would work with regulators and affected communities to determine the extent of the environmental damage, undertake remediation and address compensation.

However, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr. Doubra Okotete, called for faster action to stop the pollution, alleging that crude oil was still passing through leaking sections of the pipeline.

Okotete urged the authorities and the oil operator to carry out comprehensive remediation and compensate affected residents. He also called for increased medical support for residents, particularly those experiencing respiratory problems.

Chairman of Odidi Community, Comrade Truston Gbenekama, thanked the governor for visiting the community and appealed for the construction of a landing jetty, a health centre, potable water supply and restoration of the polluted environment.