By Aherhoke Amos Okioma
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Bayelsa state ministry of environment to ensure a community driven approach in oil spill disaster reduction.
Ikarama and Kalaba communities in Bayelsa State hosted the pilot scheme which is expected to be replicated in other communities within Bayelsa State and the entire Niger Delta region
NOSDRA director general, Peter Idabor, stated this on Monday at the first phase of a three-day community based, disaster risk reduction (DRR) on the dangers of oil pipeline vandalism and resultant environmental pollution.
Idabor said the key objective of the DRR plan for oil spill management in Nigeria is aimed at achieving community driven, community monitored, community evaluated and community sustained system of environmental protection.
In his words, “the non-existence of a community based strategy of risk reduction on the dangers of oil pipeline vandalisation, and the resultant environmental pollution have constituted serious limitations in the petroleum industry.”
He explained that the development of a community based approach and engagement will result in a blueprint of action with strategic outcomes in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda.
NOSDRA, he disclosed, conceived the programme in collaboration with UNDP to demonstrate their commitment to the sustenance of grassroots integration into oil spill disaster reduction in the Niger Delta.
Idabor urged Bayelsa State, local government authorities and Ikarama and Kalaba communities to collaborate with NOSDRA to sustain the initiative saying, “If we misuse this onerous opportunity to write our names in gold in the history of the region, we may not have the time to recover lost ground.”
He commended UNDP for their support while expressing hope that fostering and strengthening the relationship will increase awareness on life threatening dangers of pipeline vandalism.
