Oil Spill Disrupts Fishing Communities in Bayelsa

On August 22, an oil spill occurred at the Nembe Creek oilfield in Bayelsa, operated by Nembe Exploration & Production Limited, formerly Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Limited. The incident was caused by a barge loading crude oil that ruptured while discharging into the river.

Environmental monitors from the Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD) visited the site on August 24 and reported crude oil contamination along the creek and mangrove banks. Chief Alagoa Morris, ECARD's Lead Field Monitor, noted the smell of crude oil was detectable two kilometers away.

The spill has affected several fishing communities, including Mile 1, Mile 2, Mile 3, Roka, Williamkiri, Atonbarakiri, Korukiri, and Madam Wanwakiri, leading to significant losses in fishing activities and damage to equipment. HRH Agent Waya, the paramount ruler of the affected communities, stated that the situation has worsened local hardships.

Following a lack of immediate response from Aiteo officials, residents protested, demanding relief materials, damage assessments, and compensation.