The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has commended the Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, for leading the recovery of 15,980 barrels of spilled crude oil for the nation.
He also lauded NOSDRA’s management for its exceptional work, unveiling the agency’s Compendium of Achievements and relaunching the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map.
Speaking recently in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Lawal described the event as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to environmental protection, accountability, and sustainable development under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted NOSDRA’s data-driven governance approach, noting achievements including 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs), recovery of nearly 16,000 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 spills, and issuance of 660 cleanup completion certificates for major projects such as those in Bodo and HYPREP sites.
Lawal also celebrated NOSDRA’s recognition as Nigeria’s top-performing MDA in the Transparency and Integrity Index for 2023 and 2024, describing it as “a remarkable feat of institutional excellence.”
He expressed concern over the growing menace of artisanal refining, which he said accounts for about 82 percent of oil spills in the country, and directed NOSDRA to intensify surveillance, community engagement, and enforcement to curb the practice.
Accompanied by the NOSDRA Board Chairman, Mr. Edward Omo-Erewa, the Minister praised Engr. Woke and his team for their professionalism and achievements, describing them as proof of effective leadership and teamwork.
Omo-Erewa applauded the agency’s proactive approach and consistent national and international recognition as evidence of operational excellence.
In his remarks, Engr. Woke expressed gratitude for the commendations, noting that the compendium and ESI Map relaunch not only documented progress in policy, capacity building, and enforcement but also reaffirmed NOSDRA’s commitment to transparency and environmental stewardship.
He emphasized that the agency’s use of technological tools such as the Oil Spill Monitor, Gas Flare Tracker, and Methane Emission Tracker provides real-time data for improved environmental management.
“The relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map marks a major leap forward, as it now integrates geospatial and socio-economic data to enhance timely and coordinated responses to oil spills,” he said.
Woke credited the agency’s success to the collective effort of its staff and stakeholders, pledging to maintain its focus on accountability, innovation, and sustainable progress.