ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered an emergency health assessment of residents in communities affected by the Trans-Forcados pipeline oil spill, as the number of communities reportedly impacted by the pollution has risen from 86 to 216.
Oborevwori gave the directive on Tuesday during an inspection of the affected areas in Odidi, Warri South-West Local Government Area, where he expressed concern over the potential health, environmental and economic consequences of the prolonged pollution.
The governor directed the State Commissioner for Health to immediately deploy medical teams to the affected communities to examine residents and establish the health implications of their exposure to the polluted environment.
He also directed Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), the operator linked to the affected pipeline, to deploy medical personnel and provide relief materials to the communities.
Oborevwori said the response should not be limited to the distribution of relief items, stressing that the health of residents must be treated as an immediate priority.
“We have to take this matter seriously. Once you see what is happening, you realise that it is a very big issue. We don’t want our people dying at this time. We cannot afford to lose our focus or waste time. We have to act quickly and decisively.”
The governor said the medical teams would visit the affected locations to assess residents, examine the environmental and health implications and recommend appropriate interventions. The exercise, he added, would extend to other communities affected by the spill.
The development comes as the pollution continues to threaten the fishing economy of the riverine communities. Oborevwori said fishing, which provides a major source of livelihood for residents, had been severely disrupted, resulting in scarcity and higher fish prices.
He said the crisis should not be viewed solely through the question of compensation, arguing that the immediate priorities were the protection of human lives, restoration of the environment and recovery of the livelihoods of affected residents.
The governor also called for constructive engagement between HEOSL and the host communities, saying sustained dialogue would be necessary to resolve the dispute and prevent further tension.
He disclosed that the company had assured the state government that its technical operations would be completed and the cleanup concluded before the end of October, after which discussions on compensation and other measures would begin.
Oborevwori, however, warned that commitments made by the operating company must be honoured, adding that the state government would take appropriate steps to ensure compliance. He equally appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the matter was being pursued through dialogue and due process.
As part of immediate community interventions, the governor approved the construction of a landing jetty for Odidi and directed the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, to provide a modern health centre for the community.
He also directed the Commissioners for Oil and Gas and Environment to monitor the implementation of the directives issued to the oil company and report back to him.
The governor was accompanied during the inspection by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other senior government and security officials. Those on the delegation the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale; Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Buhari; Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Warri, Commodore Shehu Tasiu; and other security officials.
Speaking for HEOSL, its General Manager, Operations Integrity, Nelson Wilbert, said the company was working with the Delta State Government, host communities, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders to address the situation.
Wilbert said the immediate technical priority was to complete the ongoing installation work, stop the spill and carry out pressure testing before normal operations could safely resume.
He added that the company would work with regulators and the affected communities to assess the environmental damage, undertake cleanup operations and determine appropriate compensation.
However, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr. Doubra Okotete, called for more urgent action, alleging that crude oil was still being pumped through sections of the leaking pipeline.
Okotete urged the authorities and oil operators to undertake comprehensive remediation and compensate affected residents. He also called for expanded medical support for residents, particularly those experiencing respiratory problems.
Chairman of Odidi Community, Comrade Truston Gbenekama, thanked the governor for visiting the area and appealed for the prompt provision of the promised jetty and health centre, as well as potable water and comprehensive environmental reclamation.
