URGENT NEED TO AVERT IMPENDING LARGE SCALE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN DELTA, DUE TO SPDC’S INDIFFERENCE

January 5, 2021

The President/Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Aso Villa

Abuja

Thru:

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources

Chief Timipre Slyva

Your Excellency,

URGENT NEED TO AVERT IMPENDING LARGE SCALE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN DELTA, DUE TO SPDC’S INDIFFERENCE

As you read this open letter, the lives, assets and future generation of over 50 communities, hosting the network of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC Pipelines, particularly indigenes of Ugborodo in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, are in grave danger and if urgent steps are not taken to stop the brazen infractions of SPDC Pipelines in the aforesaid communities, a major humanitarian crisis capable of outweighing the Ogoni Oil Spill, would burst in Delta State. Unlike the situation in Ogoni, Rivers State, wherein SPDC was accused of causing the monumental spill, the situation in Ugborodo Communities, is largely due to the indifference of SPDC. This is despite series of public outcry and petitions written to the management of the Oil and Gas Major, especially by the Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Ayirimi Emami, to address the pollution of our community by illegal bunkerers and crude oil thieves.

I consider SPDC’s failure to put an end to the unprecedented infractions on its pipelines as disheartening, insensitive and outright wickedness. It is not enough to mobilize contractors to remediate the lines after each and every spillage. The long-term impact of such pollution on our environment, has very far reaching effects. As coastal communities, our people are predominantly farmers and fishermen. Every episode of oil spill from SPDC’s Pipelines and infrastructure into our land and waters, further worsens the already pathetic situation of environmental degradation and pollution that has pervaded our land for decades, thus compounding the sufferings of our people, deprivation of our livelihood and the destruction of aquatic lives.

This practice of SPDC to only remediate their pipelines, conduct a roughshod exercise in the guise of environmental clean-up and continue operations until the next spill happens and the circle continues in somewhat of a self-perpetuating system, is not sustainable, going forward.

I envisage a potential upsurge in pipeline infractions. The criminal elements prowl in search of vulnerable spots, hence the management of SPDC should be directed to take the necessary proactive, responsible and timely approach to safeguarding its network of pipeline and the in-field infrastructure.

Sir, the upsurge of illegal bunkering activities in Ugborodo as witnessed by indigenes of the community and visitors, during the recent yuletide, was heart-rending and left one wondering, if the lives of Ugborodo indigenes matter to the relevant government agencies and management of SPDC.

Select-pictures of the current unimaginable devastation and dreadful pollution of Ugborodo Communities, such as Ugbuegungun, Otumara and Ogidigben, are attached hereunder for your quick perusal:

A clear example of Crude Oil Spill in part of Ugborodo land

Section of Mangrove swamp in Ogidigben, Ugborodo, being destroyed as a result of pollution caused by Pipeline vandals

Deteriorating infrastructure at Ogidigben, due to the impact of crude oil discharge

Another visible impact of infractions on crude oil pipelines 

Crude Oil Spill in one of Ugborodo Communities

There is an old saying that a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Suffices to say that the images above (which are incontrovertible and can be verified by anyone who dares to visit the Ugborodo Communities) are tip of the iceberg and fore-tale of a brewing humanitarian crisis in the coastal Delta, particularly in the Escravos, Warri and Benin Riverine Communities.

As host communities, our people have long expressed willingness to cooperate and partner with SPDC and its contractors, for a more responsible and environmentally safe activities in our lands and waters, to help stem the devastation/pollution caused by illegal crude oil refiners, pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves.

From findings, Operators of the 60KM 24” NNPC Éscravos — Warri Pipeline Segment; the 50KM NPDC Opuama - Otumara Crude Oil Export Pipeline in OML 40 and the 87KM 28" Trans-Forcados Pipeline (TFP) in OML30, have all experienced eradication or significant reduction in the last few years/months. The level of oil spill and community agitations in those areas, has drastically reduced.

This was adduced to the effective and working structure they have deployed to contain the level of illegal activities perpetuated on the pipelines right of way and adjoining creeks as well as land areas. Over 97% of the various illegal refining infrastructures, contributing greatly to the atmospheric pollution and threats to the health of the local populace, has been demolished/destroyed and the willing operators integrated into the system to collaborate with other well-meaning members of the host communities, to support the efforts of the companies to promote good and more environmentally responsible operating practices. This is the kind of environmentally responsible operation our people desire to see as host communities of critical oil and gas infrastructures.

The pipeline surveillance, security and maintenance model engaged by the operators of the aforementioned pipeline segments, has successfully achieved a system that is producing the kind of results we desperately yearn to see.  If replicated across the Ugborodo communities and its environs, in such congenial environment as ours, the Oil and Gas operators will experience bumper output and the host communities will be safer, better Integrated into the scheme of things and enjoy a nontoxic and less devastated environment.

Your Excellency, as a matter of urgency, kindly direct the Delta State Government and the under-listed agencies to act speedily;  

·         National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA and

·         National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency, NESREA

Lastly, institute modalities that would involve critical stakeholders, so as to find immediate and lasting solution to the subject matter as elucidated above.

Signed:

Mr. Erefoluwa Keka

A Concerned Indigene of Ugborodo Communities

Email: kesvent@gmail.com, kesvent@yahoomail.com

GSM: 08064917181

Cc: The Group Managing Director, NNPC

Cc: The Country Chair/Managing Director

       Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC

       21/22 Manna

       Lagos

       Nigeria

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