HOR Vows Utilisation Of Funds Earmarked For Oil Spill Clean-up

The House of Representatives has vowed to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds set aside for cleaning up oil spills in the Niger Delta.

Chairman of the ad-hoc committee overseeing the investigation, Mr Okpolupm Etteh,
said the inquiry aims to determine how money allocated to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and related initiatives has been spent.

“The House has mandated this committee to investigate the management of oil spill clean-up funds. Our goal is clear to uncover the truth
”
“We will scrutinise project implementation, procurement processes, training programmes, intelligence coordination, and the actual delivery of remediation and restitution to Niger Delta communities.”

According to him, the probe will also review the work of regulatory agencies, the transparency of contract awards, and the progress of remediation projects funded by the federal government and its partners.

Etteh urged all relevant agencies, including HYPREP, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, and the Finance Ministry, to provide complete information and cooperate fully.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Dr Abbas Tajudeen represented by Chief Whip Usman Bello Kumo, said the investigation is not intended to target individuals but to strengthen governance and prevent future mismanagement of public funds.

Kumo highlighted the importance of coordination between federal agencies and community groups to ensure that clean-up projects deliver real benefits, including job creation, improved livelihoods and restoration of the ecosystem.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji