Delta State-born environmental rights advocate and peace campaigner, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has urged the Federal Government, the Delta State Government and relevant regulatory agencies to declare an environmental emergency following a reported crude oil spill affecting several host communities in Warri South-West and Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mulade described the incident as a major environmental disaster with potentially devastating ecological, economic and public health consequences if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
He alleged that the spill is linked to facilities operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited across Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 4, 26, 34, 38, 41 and 42, with crude oil transported through the Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP).
According to the environmental advocate, the 18-inch Trans Forcados Pipeline, constructed in the early 1980s, has exceeded its expected operational lifespan, raising concerns about its integrity and the safety of surrounding communities.
He criticised the Federal Government and multinational oil companies for allegedly prioritising crude oil production while paying insufficient attention to aging infrastructure, environmental protection and the health and wellbeing of people living in the Niger Delta.
Mulade expressed concern that rivers, creeks, mangrove forests and farmlands, which serve as the primary sources of livelihood for residents, have reportedly been contaminated by the spill, threatening fishing, farming and other economic activities across the affected communities.
“This is not merely another oil spill; it is an assault on the environment, public health and the survival of communities whose lives depend entirely on the natural ecosystem. Every hour of delay compounds the damage and deepens the suffering of innocent people,” he said.
He noted that many fishermen have reportedly abandoned their fishing grounds because of polluted waterways, while farmers are witnessing the destruction of their farmlands.
He also warned that women and children remain particularly vulnerable to contaminated water sources and prolonged exposure to hydrocarbon pollution.
Mulade accused oil operators of failing to adequately protect the fragile ecosystem of the Niger Delta, arguing that recurring oil spills have continued to erode decades of environmental conservation efforts while worsening poverty in oil-producing communities.
He called on Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to immediately contain the reported spill, deploy emergency response teams, commence comprehensive environmental remediation and restoration, and engage affected communities in a transparent manner.
The environmental activist further demanded an independent Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) involving regulatory agencies, host communities, environmental experts and civil society organisations to determine the cause, extent and impact of the reported spill.
He also urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Federal Ministry of Environment to immediately investigate the incident and ensure strict compliance with environmental laws.
According to him, corporate responsibility should extend beyond crude oil production to include environmental stewardship and the protection of lives and livelihoods.
“Companies operating in the Niger Delta must demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting the environment and the people.
“The era where communities are left to bear the consequences of pollution without adequate intervention must come to an end,” Mulade stated.
He further appealed for immediate humanitarian assistance, medical support, environmental remediation and adequate compensation for residents whose means of livelihood have reportedly been affected by the spill.
Background
Oil spills remain one of the most persistent environmental challenges confronting the Niger Delta, with repeated incidents causing widespread ecological degradation and socio-economic hardship.
Under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, petroleum operators are required to prevent pollution, respond promptly to oil spills and carry out remediation where environmental damage occurs.
Similarly, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, established by the NOSDRA Act of 2006, is mandated to coordinate oil spill preparedness and response, monitor clean-up operations and enforce compliance with environmental standards.
Over the years, organisations such as Amnesty International and United Nations Environment Programme have documented the severe environmental, economic and health impacts of recurrent oil spills across the Niger Delta, highlighting contamination of water sources, destruction of biodiversity, loss of livelihoods and long-term health risks for affected communities.
Mulade warned that failure by oil operators and regulatory authorities to respond swiftly could further worsen environmental degradation and heighten social tensions in vulnerable host communities.
As of press time, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had not publicly responded to the allegations. Their reactions will be sought and published when received.
