The Federal Government has inaugurated the Joint Project Management Committee (JPMC) for the First Nigeria International Oil Spill Summit and Expo (NIOSS), the unveiling of its official logo, and the formal commencement of preparations for the international conference.
While inaugurating the Committee in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana stated that the noble initiative, which was spearheaded by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) in collaboration with Green Clean Innovation Hub Limited (GCHI), is in response to the numerous reported cases of oil spillage with its attendant consequences on the lives of the affected communities, which cannot be overlooked.
He added that, the initiative comes at a critical moment in Nigeria’s environmental and economic history. For decades, the nation has borne the heavy burden of oil spill incidents, with over one thousand reported cases annually and an estimated thirteen million barrels of crude oil spilled over time. The dire consequences — including environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, destruction of livelihoods, public health challenges, and significant economic setbacks — are far too grave to ignore.
While urging the 9-member Committee to discharge its responsibility with professionalism, patriotism, and a strong sense of purpose, he assured that the NIOSS will strengthen national and sub-national oil spill preparedness and response capacity; foster innovation, technology transfer, and investment in environmental protection; promote collaboration among government, industry, host communities, academia, and international partners; and demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership in oil spill response, coastal restoration, and climate action. He added that the Government is fully in support of science-driven, inclusive, and community-centred solutions that protect natural resources while sustaining livelihoods.
The Joint Project Management Committee, with a clear mandate to ensure transparency, coordination, accountability, and the timely delivery of all components of NIOSS, has the following membership:
i. Mr. Ifiok Abba (Representing OSGF) Chairman
ii. Mrs. Margret Adesida (Representing NOSDRA) Member
iii. Dr. Sola O Oladipo (Representing NOSDRA) Member
iv. Prof. Babatunda Bernard (Representing OSGF) Member
v. Mr. Promise Amaha (Representing GCIH) Member
vi. Mr. Tije Cyprian Pius (Representing NOSDRA) Member
vii. Mr. Ali Gambo (Representing GCIH) Member
viii. Oluwakemi Fasoranti (Representing GCIH) Member &
ix. Mr. Guti, A.D. (Representing OSGF) Secretary
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening oil spill prevention, response, and environmental restoration through the inauguration of the Nigeria International Oil Spill Summit & Expo (NIOSS 2026).
He added that the International Oil Spill Summit & Expo (NIOSS) is a premier multi-stakeholder platform designed to convene government leaders, oil and gas industry operators, research institutions, investors, host community representatives, and environmental advocates to build sustainable strategies for oil spill prevention, emergency response, and ecosystem recovery.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
