Rivers Assembly begins probe of alleged oil spill negligence affecting communities 

The Rivers state House of Assembly has begun an investigation into claims that an oil company, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, ignored an oil spill that badly affected B-Dere community in Gokana Local Government Area.

The decision came after the community, through its estate surveyors and valuers, Hamilton Odom & Co., petitioned the House over the company’s alleged neglect. The petition, signed by ESV Hamilton Odom, was presented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dumle Maol, and referred by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions led by Hon. Enemi Alabo George.

According to the petition, the spill happened on May 7, 2025, along the 24 Ogale-Bomu pipeline. A joint investigation by the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and representatives of the affected community found that the spill was caused by equipment failure.

“The spill destroyed our vegetation, killed plants, and polluted underground water. It also disrupted farming and other economic activities, causing loss of income and psychological distress,” the petition stated.

The community said despite the damage caused, Renaissance Africa Energy had not cleaned up the affected area or paid any form of compensation. “What worries us most is the silence of the company after our initial meeting to agree on compensation ended without progress,” the petitioners added.

They urged the lawmakers to hold the company responsible for the environmental damage, ensure compensation for affected residents, and push for a proper cleanup and restoration of the land and water.

Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, assured that the petition would be treated with urgency, promising that the committee would do its best to ensure justice for the community.