PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Director General and CEO of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke, has issued a stern warning to oil companies, urging them to comply with environmental regulations or face severe legal consequences.
During a familiarization visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal headquarters in Rivers State on Monday, Engineer Woke emphasized NOSDRA’s role as a federal agency with a critical mandate to regulate the environmental impact of the oil industry. He made it clear that the agency will not tolerate any form of non-compliance or disregard for its regulations, asserting that no oil company is above the law.
“We will hold every operator accountable for their actions and ensure that they adhere to the strictest standards of environmental responsibility,” Woke declared. He further assured that his leadership will not be swayed by vested interests or industry pressure, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that all oil industry operators, including International Oil Companies (IOCs), comply with NOSDRA’s regulations.
Addressing concerns raised by the head of the NOSDRA reference laboratory, Woke reiterated his stance against any form of influence from oil companies. “I am not the kind of DG that any oil company would take for a ride,” he said.
“NOSDRA is not a private entity but a federal agency established by law to regulate oil and gas operations as they pertain to pollution and spillage. No oil company is above the law, and they must grant you access to take samples so we can get accurate results. Be assured that as long as you are committed to your work, you are protected.”
Engineer Woke also met with the agency’s staff, expressing his gratitude for their dedication and promising improvements in both equipment and staff welfare. He toured the Analytical Session Lab, Microbiological Lab, Ecotoxicology Lab, and Web-Chemistry Lab, guided by the Zonal Director, Engineer Ime Ekanem, and the head of the NOSDRA reference laboratory, Dr. Kenneth Aroh.
“I have come to see things for myself, and I assure you that there will be improvements,” Woke stated. However, he underscored the importance of staff commitment, noting that their productivity would reflect on his appraisal at the Ministry of Environment.
“When you come for your promotion exams, I am the one who will say yes or no,” he added, reminding staff that their work will ultimately speak for him at higher levels.
Engineer Woke concluded by affirming that his “real brothers” are those who are committed to their work and expressed his eagerness to see increased productivity from the agency’s staff.
This visit to the Port Harcourt office marks Engineer Woke’s first to any Zonal office since assuming his position, choosing his home constituency as his inaugural stop.
