By Prosper Mene
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called for decisive federal intervention to address the persistent environmental crisis caused by oil spills in the Niger Delta, grilling the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over the slow pace of remediation efforts.
During a joint budget defence session for the marine transport sector on Tuesday, February 10, the senator highlighted the devastating long-term impact of oil exploration on the region. She pointed out that Nigeria has recorded over 7,000 oil spills since commercial oil production began in 1958, describing the situation as one that should have been resolved through existing policies and interventions.
“The Niger Delta region has been severely impacted, and although some cleanup measures have been undertaken, our farmers and fishermen have borne the greatest burden,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. She emphasized the human and economic toll, noting that local communities continue to suffer from polluted water sources, destroyed farmlands, and depleted fisheries, undermining livelihoods in coastal areas central to Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations.
Directing her questions at Minister Oyetola, the lawmaker sought clarity on the ministry’s engagement with International Oil Companies (IOCs), particularly Shell, to enforce effective cleanup operations.
“My question to you, Honourable Minister, is this: how have you, in your capacity as Minister of the Blue Economy, engaged the various IOCs, especially Shell, to ensure that oil-spill cleanup activities in the region are actually carried out?” she asked.
The inquiry comes amid ongoing concerns about environmental degradation in the oil-rich Niger Delta, where spills have contaminated ecosystems, posing risks to public health, biodiversity, and sustainable development. Despite initiatives like the UNEP-recommended Ogoni cleanup and various government policies, critics argue that progress remains inadequate, with many sites still polluted decades after incidents.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s intervention underscores growing legislative pressure for accountability from oil operators and stronger federal oversight to protect vulnerable communities and align environmental remediation with national economic goals in the marine and blue economy sectors.
The session points to calls for justice in the Niger Delta, where affected residents and activists have long demanded full restoration, compensation, and preventive measures against future spills.
The senator’s demand highlights the need to balance resource extraction with environmental sustainability and community welfare.
