The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the mismanagement of the oil spill clean up funds in the Niger Delta region on Friday commenced it’s assignment with an assurance to finding a lasting solution to the problem
Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee in Abuja, its Chairman Hon. Okpolupm Etteh declared that ‘ the region can no.longer endure another decade of unfulfilled promises.
He said, ‘The Niger Delta cannot endure another decade of unfulfilled promises. It is high time we transformed words into action.
‘The Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills. We, therefore, seek the cooperation of all stakeholder, government agencies, communities, civil society, and the media to help us effectively achieve our mandate.
‘This House has also received reports that Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not produced the anticipated outcomes, leaving communities still affected, livelihoods in jeopardy, and public trust diminished.’
The lawmaker disclosed that the establishment of the committee underscored their shared commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and environmental justice for the people of the Niger Delta.
He assured that they will be firm and thorough in their discharging their responsibilities.
‘Our committee has been assigned the critical task of uncovering the truth, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and proposing reforms for sustainable solutions.
‘Our objectives are clear: We will investigate the utilisation of funds designated for environmental remediation, review the actual execution of clean-up projects, identify deficiencies in the institutional framework, and engage with all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society.
‘Most importantly, we will recommend specific actions to enhance performance and rebuild public trust. We will operate transparently, seek broad consultations, and conduct field visits to witness the situation firsthand. Agencies will be held accountable, community perspectives will be valued, and our conclusions will be based on factual evidence rather than emotions,’ he assured.
Speaking earlier before inaugurating the committee, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas expressed optimism in the ability of the committee to carry out an excellent job and deliver on its mandate.
The Speaker who was represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, emphasized that it was important to unravel the alleged rot in the management of the funds appropriated and released for the clean up of oil spill in the Niger Delta over the years with little or nothing to show for it
He said, ‘I have no doubt in my mind that with the caliber of honourable members in this committee, they will deliver on the mandate giving to them. I am very confident and certain and convinced that each and everyone of you have the capacity to deliver.’
He urged the committee to discharge its responsibility with utmost sense of responsibility and commitment assuring them of the leadership’s support.