Tensions are on the rise between Aiteo Exploration and Production Ltd and the Nembe Kingdom community in Bayelsa State, potentially leading to a decrease in Nigeria’s oil production. Production at the Nembe oilfields, which provide 150,000 barrels of high-quality crude oil each day, is at risk of being interrupted due to the ongoing dispute. The Oil Mining Licence 29 (OML 29) overseen by George Kumo, chairman of the Oil and Gas Committee for the Nembe Kingdom, was met with a strong caution.
Kumo called out Aiteo for ignoring the needs of the community and not meeting their responsibilities. He pointed out the neglect of the almost finished Nembe Independent Power Project, which Aiteo took over from Shell in 2015. Kumo also accused the company of breaking the Local Content Act, neglecting environmental laws, and showing no concern for the Welfare of the community. He blamed Aiteo for failing to prioritize the restoration of the environment after the significant oil spill at the Santa Barbara Well in November 2021, causing extensive damage to the nearby area.
NNPC and environmental advocacy organizations should take action.
Concerns were raised by the community regarding ongoing Gas Flaring and the obstruction of their fishing activities by the presence of large vessels. Kumo urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and environmental advocacy organizations to take action. Contrary to the accusations, Aiteo refuted the claims and stated that they are taking action to resolve the power issues by utilizing temporary generators and providing diesel through contractors selected by the community. Their claim of generating 7,500 megawatts of Electricity was backed up by their strong focus on working closely with regulatory bodies to address issues related to oil spills.
Aiteo and Nembe have been at odds since 2021 due to allegations of Oil Spills within the community, leading to escalating tensions. November 2021 saw Nembe facing a severe oil spill, marking it as one of Nigeria’s most devastating environmental disasters in recent history. The spill, which continued for over a month, resulted in widespread ecological destruction with an estimated over hundred thousand barrels of oil released into the surroundings, as reported by experts. After the spill occurred, the Nembe community took legal action, requesting an examination of the environmental consequences caused by the oil field and demanding that the operator fulfill the social responsibilities owed to the host communities, along with other related requests.
Cleaning up and recovering from an oil spill is complex.
When oil spills occur, they seep deep into the feathers of birds and the fur of mammals, compromising their ability to stay warm and causing them to struggle with maintaining buoyancy in the water due to increased susceptibility to temperature changes. The process of cleaning up and recovering from an oil spill is complex and is influenced by various factors such as the characteristics of the spilled oil, the water temperature affecting the rate of evaporation and biodegradation, as well as the different types of shorelines and beaches impacted.
The duration of the clean-up efforts can range from weeks to months, and in some cases, it may even take years to completely restore the affected areas. The impact of oil spills on society can be devastating, affecting the economy, environment, and social fabric. The resulting media scrutiny and political backlash have sparked debates on governmental reactions to oil spills and strategies for prevention. This collective effort reflects a shared concern for mitigating the harmful effects of oil spills on communities.
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Additionally, the repercussions of oil spills extend beyond mere environmental damage and pose a significant threat to human health. From respiratory issues to damage to the liver and immune system, the impact on individuals can be severe. Moreover, the long-term consequences of oil spills, such as the decline in oil supply and the potential closure of beaches, parks, and fisheries, can disrupt daily life and even create fire hazards. Oil spills have the potential to pollute sources of drinking water as well. The economic repercussions of contamination are felt by industries such as tourism and marine resource extraction.