Uzere Oil And Gas Spill: PJDI Calls For Urgent Investigation, Remediation And Accountability

The Porb Justice and Development Initiative (PJDI) has commenced an intervention concerning the reported oil and gas spill from Well 14 in Uzere Community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, and the environmental and livelihood concerns raised by residents of the community.

The information contained in a press statement by the porb justice and development initiative signed by it’s founder and executive director Philip Orbih who is also a lawyer said the human rights organisation has formally written to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and Heritage Energy, requesting appropriate investigation and action concerning the incident.
“PJDI believes that the immediate priority must be to establish the facts, ensure that any continuing discharge is effectively contained, determine the extent of environmental impact, undertake appropriate remediation, and address legitimate concerns of affected members of the Uzere community” The statement declared

The statement also noted that the intervention by Porb justice and development initiative is not intended to prejudge liability or assign blame before the relevant facts are established. Environmental accountability requires fairness, evidence and due process the human rights body further disclosed.

“We equally recognize that sustainable solutions require cooperation among the host community, operators, regulatory agencies and government.
PJDI therefore calls upon the relevant authorities and operator to ensure a transparent assessment of the incident and, where environmental damage is established, to ensure timely and effective remediation in accordance with applicable Nigerian laws and regulatory standards”

The statement said PJDI will continue to engage the relevant institutions, monitor developments and consult with stakeholders within the Uzere community.
Declaring that Where necessary, the organisation will undertake further fact finding, environmental accountability advocacy and other lawful interventions consistent with it’s mandate.

“Our objective is not merely to identify responsibility. It is to ensure that the incident is properly investigated, affected areas are appropriately remediated, legitimate community concerns are addressed, and lessons from the incident contribute to stronger institutions and the prevention of future occurrences”

The statement concluded by noting that PJDI remains committed to environmental justice, institutional accountability, host community development and sustainable development.

Further developments the statement also noted will be communicated in due course.

Philip O. Orbih
Lawyer, Human Rights Consultant (USIDHR)
Founder & Executive Director
Porb Justice and Development Initiative (PJDI)
Email: info@porbjustice.org
Website: porbjustice.org
Advocacy • Justice • Development