Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered the immediate deployment of medical teams to communities affected by the Trans-Forcados pipeline oil spill as the number of impacted communities has risen from 86 to 216.
Oborevwori gave the directive on Tuesday during an inspection visit to Odidi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, where he expressed concern over the growing environmental and health impact of the pollution.
The governor directed the state Commissioner for Health to deploy medical teams to the affected communities to examine residents and assess the possible health consequences of prolonged exposure to the polluted environment.
He also directed Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, the company operating the affected facility, to deploy its own medical team and provide relief materials to residents.
Oborevwori said the response should go beyond the distribution of relief items, stressing that residents needed proper medical examinations because of the possible consequences of exposure to pollution.
“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,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the number of affected communities had increased from an initial assessment of 86 to 216, indicating a wider impact of the spill than previously recorded.
He said the operating company had assured the state government that ongoing technical operations would be completed and the affected areas cleaned up before the end of October.
According to him, discussions on compensation and other measures would begin after the cleanup exercise.
Oborevwori warned that commitments made by the oil company must be honoured, adding that the state government would take necessary steps to ensure compliance.
He also called for meaningful dialogue between the oil operator and host communities, saying sustained engagement was necessary to resolve the crisis and prevent further tension.
The governor appealed to affected residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the government pursued the matter through dialogue and due process.
He further expressed concern over the impact of the pollution on fishing, which is a major source of livelihood for residents in the affected communities.
According to him, the disruption of fishing activities has contributed to fish scarcity and rising prices, worsening the economic hardship faced by residents.
Oborevwori stressed that the crisis was not only about compensation but also about restoring the environment, protecting human lives and preserving the livelihoods of affected communities.
As part of measures to support residents of Odidi, the governor approved the construction of a landing jetty and directed the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area to construct 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.
Meanwhile, the General Manager, Operations Integrity, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Nelson Wilbert, said the company was committed to working with the state government, host communities, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders to resolve the crisis.
Wilbert said the immediate priority was to complete the ongoing technical operations, including installation, stopping the spill and pressure testing, to safely restore normal operations.
He added that the company would work with regulatory authorities and affected communities to assess the environmental damage, clean up impacted areas and provide appropriate compensation.
However, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr Doubra Okotete, called for urgent action to stop the pollution.
Okotete alleged that crude oil was still being pumped through leaking sections of the pipeline and called for comprehensive environmental remediation and compensation for affected residents.
He also demanded increased medical support, particularly for residents experiencing respiratory problems.
The widening impact of the spill has heightened concerns over the health, environment and economic wellbeing of hundreds of communities in the affected areas.
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