Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered an immediate medical response and accelerated environmental intervention after the number of communities reported to be affected by the Trans Forcados pipeline oil spill rose from 86 to 216.
Oborevwori issued the directives during an inspection of Odidi community in Warri South West Local Government Area, saying the scale of the pollution required urgent action to protect lives, livelihoods and the environment.
The governor directed the State Commissioner for Health to deploy medical teams to affected communities to examine residents and assess possible health consequences from exposure to the pollution. He said the response must go beyond the distribution of relief materials.
He also directed Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to provide medical support and relief materials while continuing technical work to stop the spill and begin remediation. Oborevwori said dialogue between the operator and host communities was necessary to reduce tension and ensure that concerns were addressed.
According to the governor, the operating company told the state that technical work and cleanup were expected to be completed before the end of October, after which discussions on compensation and other interventions would follow. He warned that commitments made to affected communities must be honoured.
Oborevwori said fishing, a major source of livelihood in the riverine communities, had been severely disrupted. He stressed that the response should focus not only on compensation but also on environmental restoration, public health and the recovery of local livelihoods.
The governor approved a landing jetty for Odidi community and directed the Chairman of Warri South West Local Government Area to provide a modern health centre. He also asked the Commissioners for Oil and Gas and Environment to monitor compliance with the directives and report back to him.
General Manager, Operations Integrity at Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Nelson Wilbert, said the company was working with the state government, regulators and host communities. He said the immediate priority was to complete technical operations required to stop the spill and restore the affected system safely.
President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr Doubra Okotete, called for urgent remediation and medical assistance, while alleging that crude was still moving through leaking pipelines. Chairman of Odidi Community, Truston Gbenekama, appealed for potable water, environmental reclamation, a health centre and a landing jetty.
