The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate oil companies that are causing environmental damage to host communities.
The resolution to launch the investigation followed a motion moved by Ahmadu Jaha on Wednesday during plenary.
Moving the motion, Mr Jaha said some oil companies operating in Nigeria have not been complying with extant laws, particularly the PIA.
Citing section 233 of the PIA, Mr Jaha said the section “provides for the establishment of a fund for the mitigation of negative environmental impacts associated with decommissioning or abandonment of oil and gas fields and assets”.
He stated that most of the oil companies often abandon non-viable platforms and facilities at their operational bases without following the law.
Jaha added that “the abandoned facilities are impeding water transportation causing unimaginable dangers to farmers”.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to investigate the environmental damage caused by non-compliance.
The session was presided over by the deputy speaker, Ben Kalu.
