Rivers Assembly set to probe oil firm over alleged neglect of spill-hit community

By Daniel Abia, Port Harcourt

The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated a probe into allegations that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited failed to address an oil spill that ravaged B-Dere community in Gokana Local Government Area.

The move follows a petition submitted by the community through its Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Hamilton Odom & Co. The petition, signed by Hamilton Odom, was presented on the floor of the House by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, subsequently referred the petition to the Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, chaired by Hon. Dr. Enemi Alabo George.

According to the petition, an oil spill occurred on May 7, 2025, along the 24 Ogale–Bomu pipeline traversing B-Dere. A joint investigation by the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and representatives of the community confirmed that the leak was caused by equipment failure.

The petition noted that the spill severely damaged vegetation, causing stress, defoliation, and plant death. Toxic hydrocarbons reportedly penetrated plant tissues, impairing water and nutrient uptake, leading to stunted growth, widespread mortality, and hindered regeneration—especially among young plants and seedlings.

It added that the spill contaminated underground water, disrupted farming and other economic activities, and inflicted psychological stress on residents whose livelihoods were affected.

Despite these impacts, the community alleged that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has neither commenced clean-up efforts nor paid any compensation. They also expressed concern over what they described as the company’s “indifference and silence” following an initial meeting that ended in a deadlock over compensation.

The petitioners urged the Assembly to treat the matter with urgency, insisting that the company should bear full responsibility for the spill, given that it resulted from equipment failure.

They asked lawmakers to compel the company to account for the environmental damage, immediately assess and compensate victims for economic losses and livelihood disruptions, and undertake comprehensive clean-up, remediation, and restoration of the affected land and water sources.

Receiving the petition, Committee Chairman Dr. Enemi Alabo George assured the community that the matter would receive prompt attention.

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