A newly established ad hoc committee in the House of Representatives has begun an investigation into accusations of financial impropriety concerning the funds earmarked for oil spill remediation in the Niger Delta.
The legislative body is seeking to guarantee accountability, transparency, and equitable outcomes for the communities devastated by pollution.
During the committee’s inauguration in Abuja, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chief Whip, Usman Kumo, tasked the panel with assessing the managerial capacity of the individuals or entities responsible for handling the cleanup funds.
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The Speaker stressed the necessity of obtaining definitive answers to several pressing questions, including: determining the competence of those appointed by the government to manage the cleanup finances.
Others are identifying the root causes of the alleged mismanagement, gaining a clear understanding of the totality of funds dedicated to environmental work qnd verifying whether accountability was upheld throughout the fund management process.
“If we can understand these issues, we can devise a solution,” he stated, expressing confidence in the committee members’ ability to deliver an impartial and balanced report.
The Committee Chairman, Okpolupm Etteh, affirmed that the House’s action underscores its firm dedication to environmental justice and the responsible oversight of public financial resources.
He lamented that despite the allocation of billions of Naira and numerous government efforts over the years, the Niger Delta region continues to face severe ecological harm and economic hardship.
Etteh noted that continuous oil exploration and frequent spills have inflicted years of environmental degradation.
While various government bodies were created or assigned to undertake environmental remediation and cleanup operations, these initiatives have been overshadowed by “troubling reports” of alleged mismanagement, poor performance, and lack of coordination.
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He pointed out that the intended results from the allocated cleanup funds have not materialized, which has left affected communities struggling, put livelihoods at risk, and eroded public trust.
The committee’s core mission is to uncover the facts regarding the application of the cleanup funds, evaluate the performance of relevant government agencies, and propose necessary reforms to ensure long-term, effective remediation.
