The house of representatives ad hoc committee investigating the alleged mismanagement of oil spill clean-up in the Niger Delta has vowed to ensure accountability and transparency in the utilisation of the funds allocated for the exercise.
Speaking during the committee’s meeting on Thursday, Okpolupm Etteh, chairman of the panel, said the probe is intended to ascertain the utilisation of funds earmarked for the hydrocarbon pollution remediation project (HYPREP) and other similar interventions.
“The house has mandated this committee to investigate the management of oil spill clean-up funds. Our goal is clear: to uncover the truth,” Etteh said.
“We will scrutinise project implementation, procurement processes, training programmes, intelligence coordination, and the actual delivery of remediation and restitution to Niger Delta communities.
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“When monitoring and verification reveal gaps, delays, or irregularities, the committee will not hesitate to identify those responsible and recommend corrective measures.
“This is about ensuring that funds meant for environmental recovery are used effectively for the people who have suffered the most.”
Etteh said agencies and institutions involved in the oil spill clean-up must provide the necessary documents and information to aid the probe.
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The lawmaker said the agencies include HYPREP, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the ministry of finance.
“Let me be clear — this is not a political theatre or a public show. It is a rigorous, evidence-driven inquiry aimed at restoring accountability, recovering misapplied public funds, addressing institutional failures, and ensuring that real remediation reaches our communities,” Etteh said.
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said the probe would determine how the funds would be disbursed and utilised.
Abass, represented by Bello Kumo, chief whip of the house, added that the parliament will continue to provide legislative oversight to ensure the implementation of the oil spill clean-up funds.
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Several reports have documented the extensive environmental degradation caused by decades of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, urging a comprehensive clean-up and restoration of affected communities.
However, despite the allocation of billions of naira for remediation, many of these communities remain heavily polluted and desperately need environmental recovery.
