BREAKING: Nigerian Senator Drops Bombshell, Mentions Who’s Responsible for Disastrous Fire Outbreak in Rivers

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged the Ecological Project Management Committee (EPMC) and other relevant agencies to take firm action against oil operators responsible for environmental damage.

Her call came in response to a motion sponsored by Senator Banigo Ipalibo Harry (Rivers West) regarding the recent fire outbreak and oil spill at Manifold Well 8/BUG 008 in OML 18, Bukuma, Rivers West Senatorial District.

Natasha stresses need for urgent investigation

During her address, Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed the need for a comprehensive assessment of cleanup costs, penalties, and charges for oil spills and fire incidents.

She called on regulatory bodies to ensure that oil companies bear full responsibility for environmental hazards caused by their operations.

According to her, enforcing accountability in the oil industry is crucial to safeguarding the environment and mitigating the impact of recurrent spills and fires.

Oil spills and fire outbreaks remain a persistent issue in the Niger Delta region, often attributed to lapses in safety protocols, sabotage, or ineffective enforcement of environmental laws.

The latest incident, which overwhelmed Bukuma Island in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, originated from NNPC OML Well 8, operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

Senate launches probe into disastrous outbreak

The Senate has expressed concerns over the delayed response from the responsible oil companies and regulatory agencies.

As a result, it has urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire and oil spill.

The leak, which was initially met with uncertainty over its origin, was later confirmed by NOSDRA to have come from OML 8. The spill was officially reported on January 1, 2025.

Akpabio names Kogi lawmaker Natasha head of diaspora committee

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had been appointed as the Chairlady of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with its citizens abroad.

Following her appointment, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to building a strong network with Nigerian professionals and communities abroad.

Senator Natasha mentions actual fear of North on tax reforms

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central at the National Assembly, had said a lack of preparedness was the root cause of northern Nigeria’s fear of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Israel Arogbonlo, on Thursday, January 16, the federal lawmaker made the comment during his address at the Sardauna Memorial Day in Kaduna.