Rivers Assembly Queries NNPCL Over Failure to Honour Committee Invitation

The Rivers State House of Assembly has queried the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over its repeated failure to honour invitations issued by the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions.

The lawmakers expressed concern over the company’s refusal to appear before the committee to address a petition linked to an alleged crude oil spill and the impact of the incident on several communities in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The issue came up on Tuesday during the third legislative sitting of the Fourth Session of the Tenth Assembly, following the presentation of three reports by the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Enemi George, while presenting the reports, faulted NNPCL’s continuous absence from the hearings. He described the development as disturbing and unacceptable, especially considering the importance of the matter before the committee.

George said the committee serves as a critical channel for individuals, groups and communities seeking justice after exhausting other avenues of redress. He noted that citizens rely on the committee to ensure their complaints are properly heard and addressed.

He further stated that despite being duly served hearing notices, NNPCL failed to acknowledge the invitations or appear before the lawmakers. According to him, the action amounts to a disregard for the constitutional oversight powers of the Assembly.

The petition in question was filed on November 14, 2025, by Opunabo Ekine & Associates on behalf of Port Harcourt Blooming White Roses Farmers Cooperative Investment and Credit Society Limited and Map-Willy Concepts.

The petition concerns a fire outbreak and crude oil spill allegedly linked to the operations of NNPCL 18 Operating Limited at OML Well 10, Cawthorne Channel 1.

Petitioners told the committee that the incident, which allegedly occurred on February 19, 2025, caused severe environmental damage and negatively affected livelihoods across several shoreline communities in Degema Local Government Area.

The affected communities include Abiye Alakiri, Amatemeso Ama, Abbey Amaso, Egbetiama, Tamuno Ama, Omodara Ama and College Ama.

Residents in the affected areas are said to have suffered significant environmental and economic losses, with concerns raised over the impact of the spill on fishing, farming and other means of livelihood.

Meanwhile, George also presented reports on two other petitions handled by the committee.

He disclosed that the dispute arising from an oil spill involving the 24-inch Ogale–Bonny Pipeline and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited had been successfully resolved through peaceful mediation.

He also informed the House that the committee settled a separate dispute involving Mr. Bright and 15 others against Zest Optimal Global Services Limited over alleged non-payment of contract entitlements.

Following the presentation, Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol, who presided over the sitting, deferred debate on all three committee reports to a later legislative day.

The Assembly is expected to revisit the reports as lawmakers continue deliberations on the petitions and the next line of action regarding NNPCL’s non-compliance.

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