Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Director General and CEO of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke, has issued a stern warning to oil companies operating in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of compliance with environmental regulations. During a visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal headquarters in Rivers State on Monday, Woke made it clear that NOSDRA, as a federal agency established by law, will enforce environmental standards without compromise.
Addressing challenges faced by the agency, Woke stated, “NOSDRA represents the Federal Government and has a sacred mandate to regulate the oil industry’s environmental impact. We will not tolerate any form of non-compliance or disregard for regulations. No oil company is above the law.”
He reiterated his commitment to holding every operator accountable, ensuring that they adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility. Woke assured that his leadership would not be influenced by industry pressure or vested interests, affirming that NOSDRA’s regulations must be followed by all, including International Oil Companies (IOCs).
In response to concerns raised by the head of the NOSDRA reference laboratory, Woke stated, “I am not the kind of DG that any oil company would take for a ride. All oil industry operators, whether IOCs or others, must comply with NOSDRA regulations. We represent the Federal Government, and we are here to regulate the operations of the oil industry as it relates to oil and gas pollution and spillage. Let it be clear that no oil company is above the law.”
He also emphasized the agency’s authority, saying, “If any company thinks they can reach me, they are mistaken. They must grant access for sampling, and we must obtain results. Rest assured, as long as you are committed to your work, you are protected.”
During his visit, Engineer Woke toured the Zonal office, guided by the Zonal Director, Engineer Ime Ekanem, and the head of the NOSDRA reference laboratory, Dr. Kenneth Aroh. He visited various laboratories, including the Analytical Session Lab, Microbiological Lab, Ecotoxicology Lab, and Web-Chemistry Lab.
Woke expressed gratitude to the staff for their dedication and promised improvements in equipment and welfare. “I have come to see things for myself, and I assure you that there will be improvements,” he said. He urged staff to remain committed to their work, emphasizing that their productivity would reflect on his performance appraisals at the Ministry of Environment.
Engineer Woke also reminded the staff of the importance of their work, noting that he is responsible for appraising their performance and determining promotions. “When you come for your promotion exams, I am the one who will say yes or no,” he stated, adding that their efforts would directly impact the agency’s reputation.
Concluding his visit, Woke emphasized that his “real brothers” are those committed to their work, and he looks forward to seeing increased productivity. This visit marks his first to any Zonal office since assuming his position, with Port Harcourt, his constituency, chosen as the starting point.