Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The National Oil Spillage Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, is set to enhance its operational effectiveness and impact following a directive from its Director General and Chief Executive, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke.
During an extraordinary meeting held at the agency’s headquarters, Engr. Woke emphasised the urgent need for the management team to align with the strategic objectives outlined in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Reflecting on the agency’s 18-year journey since its establishment in 2006, Engr. Woke expressed concern over NOSDRA’s limited visibility and effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate. “We must acknowledge that, as we approach our 20th anniversary, our impact has not met the expectations set forth in our founding legislation,” he stated.
Engr. Woke highlighted the critical timing of the meeting, noting the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing crude oil production as a means to bolster national revenue. He called upon zonal heads and directors to collaborate in a concerted effort to reform, reposition and strategize NOSDRA’s operations to better complement the government’s initiatives.
He said: “Our agency’s image and operational effectiveness are crucial not only for local communities but also for international stakeholders and oil companies. We need to change the narrative surrounding NOSDRA and enhance our internally generated revenue while fostering deeper cooperation with other bodies to improve the living standards of communities affected by oil spills.”
He reaffirmed NOSDRA’s unique position as the only legally established agency dedicated to the detection and response to oil spills, adhering to the highest operational standards.
During the strategic meeting, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, underscored the agency’s commitment to overcoming existing challenges and achieving its statutory objectives.
He emphasised the importance of teamwork in realizing the goals mandated by the agency’s founding legislation. Woke expressed readiness to collaborate with the management team, urging all members to actively engage in reshaping NOSDRA’s operational framework.
In their contributions, zonal and field heads, along with department directors, commended Engr. Woke for his dedication and vision for advancing the agency. Representatives from various regional offices, including Lagos, Akure, Warri, Ilorin, Lokoja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Gombe, Jos, Kano, Kaduna, and Yenagoa, presented comprehensive overviews of their operational domains.
They discussed the nature of their operations spanning downstream, midstream, and upstream activities, while providing insights into staff distribution, achievements and ongoing challenges.
Notably, the Head of the National Reference Laboratory in Port Harcourt contributed valuable insights through a detailed presentation, further enriching the discussions.
Directors and department heads took the opportunity to report on their activities, outline expectations and identify challenges faced under the new leadership. They also proposed actionable solutions aimed at enhancing NOSDRA’s capacity to fulfill its mandate effectively.
As NOSDRA prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the agency is poised to elevate its impact on oil spill management and community welfare, ensuring it meets the expectations of stakeholders and the communities it serves, thereby earning the trust and respect of all stakeholders involved.
