24January 2013, Sweetcrude, Warri – Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and a non-governmental organisation, Rati Medical Outreach, have appealed to oil multinationals in the country to be more pro-active and double their efforts at facility surveillance to reduce oil spills in the Niger Delta region.
Director of Programmes, Rati Medical Outreach, in Delta State, Dr. Ferdinand Oshonwoh, lamented that oil spills had over the years affected the ecosystem and the economy of the oil rich region, saying that its negative impact had dealt a severe blow on the growth and development of the area.
Oshonwoh, who spoke when Rati Medical Outreach in conjunction with NIMASA, donated relief materials to some communities in Bayelsa State impacted by the Bonga Oil Field spillage, said it was high time oil companies took measures to avoid a re-occurrence of the sad development.
He urged youths in the region not to vandalize oil facilities to avoid spills that will pollute the environmental and cause terminal diseases.
Mr. Patrick Akpobukeme, Director-General, NIMASA, said the relief materials were part of efforts by the group and NIMASA to cushion the impact of Bonga Field Oil spillage on the communities.
Represented by Mr. Siraj Usman, Principal Marine Environment Management Officer, he assured the victims that NIMASA was discussing with concerned oil companies towards paying them compensation.