NNPC’s subsidiary to face Reps panel pollution in Rivers

The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has invited NNPC18 Operating Ltd to appear before it, following the company’s failure to honor an earlier invitation on February 18.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Julius Pondi, disclosed this in Abuja, stating that the summon was in response to a petition from stakeholders regarding environmental degradation and pollution caused by oil drilling activities in Buguma and Degema areas of Rivers State.

The committee had earlier received a formal complaint against NNPC18 Operating Ltd over a fire and oil spill incident in Buguma, Degema Local Government Area.

In addition, the lawmakers invited relevant stakeholders and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to deliberate on grievances raised by the Bukuma community in Rivers, and they are both expected to appear on March 4, 2025.

The community in the petition accused NNPC of “failing to implement a 2021 court judgment mandating the grouping of oil-producing communities into clusters for development purposes”.

The Committee said it will hear from all parties involved and take necessary steps to address the environmental concerns and alleged neglect of affected communities.