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Senator Degi re-echoes plight of constituents as senate passes damning verdict on AITEO

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Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo (Bayelsa East) has re-echoed the untold hardship being experienced by his constituents on account of unwholesome activities of AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited in Opu Nembe.
The lawmaker, while coming under order 42 and 52 of the Senate Rules during plenary on Tuesday, expressed concern over the continuous gushing and spewing of oil and gas into the waterways and mangrove vegetation of Opu Nembe area of Bayelsa state, from a long sealed, non producing oil well 1, Santa Barbara OML 29 belonging to AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited. 
He sponsored the motion,
 “The extremely urgent need to stop the continuous crude oil and gas blow out spill at Santa Barbara well 1, OML 29 operated by AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited in Opu Nembe, Bayelsa State.”
He expressed concern that even though same oil well has witnessed several oil spills in previous years, the current incident borders on catastrophe due to a long period of accumulated oil and maximum pressure from piled up gas in the well. “The magnitude of this incident is of an extremely high order, the first of its kind in this part of the world;
He also expressed worry that the entire mangrove forests and aquatic life have been adversely affected by the methane gas, as rainbow-like sheens are seen on the water body around the point of incident down to the shoreline

He indicated that dead fishes are also seen floating within the impacted area and fishing activities totally crippled, with the direction of the wind blowing onshore towards the community from the point of the incident
According to him, during the just concluded global Climate Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow, Scotland, world leaders gathered to encourage nations to implement international best practices in cutting off such emissions into the entire ecosystem.
He said the Nigerian Government well represented by our dear President in our contribution to global climate action.

He noted that while the policy on divestments by IOCS in exploration and production of oil and gas is a welcome development as it creates space for indigenous companies to invest and grow in the industry, such opportunities should be accorded to indigenous companies with proven requisite technical and financial competence

“Worried that attempts to stop the continuous oil and gas spill by the operators had failed repeatedly for over one month running, wasting an estimated over 2 million barrels of hydrocarbon and gas, shows a disappointing appearance of technical incompetence in handling the incident on the part of AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited;
According to him such magnitude of incompetence is sufficient to attract sanctions such as revocation of their operational license by the regulatory authorities to instill sanity in the oil and gas sector in response to the increased global call for protection of the environment;

He expressed deep concern over the threat that the incident poses to the health of the people of the host communities especially as the air and water have been contaminated, “There is also the possibility of a fire outbreak from the oil well if this wanton release of oil and methane gas continues unstopped”, Biobarakuma said. 

The Senate therefore passed resolutions condemning in totality the oil spill at Santa Babara well 1, OML 29 operated by AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Nigeria Limited in Opu Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State;
urging the Company to urgently seek, explore and deploy relevant highest level of expertise and technology to stop the spill and prevent the continuous damage to the environment as well as restore the life support system of the people.
The resolution was reached when Distinguished Senator Biobarakuma Degi Eremienyo drew the
attention of the Senate by a motion on the oil spill as a matter of urgent public importance.
The Senate urged the relevant agencies to undertake environmental impact assessment to determine the extent of the pollution with a view to undertaking remediation in accordance with
internationally accepted standards.
The Senate also resolved that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should as a matter of urgency provide relief materials as this ugly incident has taken a negative toll on the health and wellbeing of the people of the host communities which can be declared a disaster area.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan in his closing remarks said
Indigenous oil companies responsible for the devastation of host communities where they operate must be penalized
“The extremely urgent need to stop the continuous crude oil and gas blow out spill at Santa Barbara well 1, OML 29 operated by AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited in Opu Nembe, Bayelsa State.”
The Senate President, said that the National Assembly would insist on companies carrying out their corporate-social responsibilities to host communities under the law. 

According to him, doing so would also involve penalizing any company that fails to adhere to operational standards set out by the federal government.  

“I feel very sad, that an indigenous oil company for that matter, would be involved in this kind of incident and yet not able to show any capacity

“As a country, we want to promote our local content – indigenous oil companies – to participate in this industry.

“But we are going to insist, whether it is an indigenous owned company any or an international one, that the companies must be responsible to the communities and to us as a nation.

“This is devastation of lives and ecosystems in that part of the country, and I believe that this particular case should be made to be an example of what government and its agencies can do, not only to force the alleged culprit to remedy the environment but also to penalize the oil company for devastating the lives of the people of that area (Nembe)”, Lawan said. 

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Environment

Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim Champions Gender-Responsive Climate Action at NCCF 2025

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Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

At the Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) 2025 held on January 29, Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, took center stage, delivering a powerful call for a gender-responsive approach to climate action.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, gathered top government officials, climate experts, and private sector leaders, all committed to advancing Nigeria’s sustainability goals under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

In her opening speech, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the crucial role of women in climate resilience, highlighting that women make up 70% of smallholder farmers in Nigeria and are pivotal to sectors such as agriculture, water management, and energy.
She stressed that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, particularly women and children in developing nations like Nigeria.

The minister’s speech centered on the need for inclusive, sustainable policies that ensure women and children are not only seen as victims but as active agents of change in the fight against climate change. She stated,
“It is my duty to ensure that the voices of women and children are heard, and their unique needs addressed in climate action and policy development, enabling a more inclusive, sustainable, and just transition.”

Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which seeks to establish a green economy and integrate gender into climate response efforts.
She called for increased collaboration between international partners, development agencies, and the private sector to support women-led climate initiatives, which she believes will empower communities and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a green economy.

The minister’s remarks underscored Nigeria’s determination to implement concrete climate solutions, stressing the importance of developing policies that marry environmental sustainability with social equity. She concluded with a call for stronger public-private partnerships, urging corporate leaders and stakeholders to take bolder steps toward climate resilience and economic inclusion.

With Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim at the helm, Nigeria’s commitment to a gender-inclusive climate strategy has gained international recognition.
Her leadership at the forum set a tone for future climate action, emphasizing the importance of integrating gender equity into climate policies to ensure that all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from the country’s green transition.

The NCCF 2025 was not just a forum, it was a platform for bold commitments and transformative actions, with Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim leading the charge for a sustainable and equitable future for Nigeria and Africa at large.

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Environment

From Deforestation to Restoration: Ugbor Champions Green Revolution to Secure Nigeria’s Future

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Hon. Terseer Ugbor

As climate change accelerates environmental and food security crises, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, is leading the charge for a “Green Revolution” in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Nigerian Climate Change Forum in Abuja, Ugbor called for massive reforestation and climate-smart agriculture to counter deforestation, desertification, and erratic weather patterns threatening livelihoods across the country.
Once home to flourishing Rosewood forests, Ugbor’s constituency has seen its natural wealth disappear due to unchecked logging and environmental neglect.
“Our lands, once rich and fertile, are now barren,” he lamented. “This deforestation has not only stripped us of economic opportunities but has worsened climate-related disasters.”
Ugbor revealed that lawmakers are pushing for an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Act, which will evaluate how industries and policies affect both the ecosystem and local communities.
“It’s not just about the trees; it’s about people’s lives, their farms, their water sources, and their future,” he emphasized.
With the forum bringing together policymakers, climate experts, financial institutions, and industry leaders, Ugbor stressed that Nigeria’s response to climate change must go beyond policy discussions.
“We must act now through afforestation programs, regenerative farming, and sustainable land management,” he urged.
As Nigeria faces increasing environmental threats, Ugbor’s push for reforestation and smart agriculture is not just an environmental plea but an economic and social imperative. His vision: turn Nigeria’s deforested lands into green, thriving ecosystems that will sustain future generations.

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Environment

Maiduguri flood: Ndume asks FG, international community to urgently intervene

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Former leader of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has expressed sympathy with the people and Government of Borno State, after a devastating flood submerged many homes and parts of the state capital, Maiduguri.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Ndume who represents Borno South, called on the Federal Government to immediately intervene by giving support to the State Government to the aid of affected residents

The State Government, had raised the alarm aver severe flood that submerged many homes following the alleged breakdown of Alau Dam that has been filled to capacity for the past one week.

“Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties.

“The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms, and the water is heading toward the river bank,” a statement by the State Government had revealed.

Senator Ndume, who just returned from Borno, where he reached out to families affected by insurgenc in the Southern Senatorial District of the State, said he is devastated by the news report about the ravaging flood.

The former Senate Chief Whip said all hands must be on deck, including development partners and other agencies of government, to immediately mobilise and come to the aid of affected residents and homes in Maiduguri.

He said the State Government, being very proactive, has already activated all mechanisms to salvage the situation by evaluating people from affected areas and providing the needed support.

He, however, lamented that the gravity of the damage by the flooding is beyond the State Government, hence the need for the Federal Government to immediately step in and assist the residents in getting the needed support.

Already, some institutions and government agencies have shut down. University of Maiduguri has been closed until further notice

The university management announced the temporary closure in a statement on Tuesday by its registrar, Ahmad A. Lawan, the institution, sympathised with staff members and students affected by the disaster.

Ndume said: “What has happened in my dear State capital, Maiduguri is unfortunate. The level of damage is very bad. I’ve been briefed, and what I’ve heard isn’t something we should take likely.

“Homes, institutions, government agencies, and other businesses have been submerged in the flood. Many people are trapped and are trying to evacuate. I’m worried that the situation may get worse unless the federal government immediately steps in to assist the state government in salvaging the situation.

“I’m also calling on various international partners, development agencies, and men of goodwill to do something urgent before we’ll witness the kind of human disaster in Maiduguri that will be unimaginable.

“I’m in touch with my colleagues, the State Government, its officials, and other stakeholders on what we can do to solve the situation. I hope that in the future, we’ll be able to guide against this occurrence. This is a serious disaster, and we need the prayers and support of every Nigerian.”

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