As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental governance and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Environmental Rights Action led other civil society groups in Rivers state on an advocacy visit to the Zonal Director of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on April 30, 2025.
The ERA and civil society delegation, led by the head of the Port Harcourt Office, Kentebe Ebiaridor, was warmly received by NOSDRA Zonal director, Mr Augustine Bello, and other senior officials at the agency’s Zonal office in Port Harcourt. The visit provided a platform for constructive dialogue on the challenges of oil pollution, environmental degradation, and the need for enhanced community participation in oil spill response and remediation processes.
During the meeting, ERA reiterated its commitment to promoting environmental justice, urging NOSDRA to enforce stricter compliance standards on oil companies and to ensure transparency in oil spill investigations and cleanups. ERA also mentioned that from environmental monitoring and community reports of oil-impacted areas in the Niger Delta, there is need in closing gaps in response time, remediation quality, and access to justice for affected communities.
In response, NOSDRA commended ERA and other civil society groups present for their consistent advocacy and reaffirmed its willingness to collaborate with civil society organizations in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The agency pledged to explore joint monitoring exercises, improve public access to oil spill data, and engage more proactively with impacted communities.
ERA and NOSDRA agreed on the importance of continued engagement and pledged to work towards common goals, including environmental restoration and capacity building for grassroots monitoring.
This advocacy visit underscores the critical role of civil society in holding institutions accountable and advancing environmental rights in Nigeria.