By Deborah Nnamdi
The Director General and CEO of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke has put oil companies on notice, tasking them to comply with environmental regulations or face the full force of the law.
He spoke during a familiarization visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal headquarters in Rivers State on Monday.
Reacting to challenges faced by the Agency in the Zone, he said as an agency established by Act of law, NOSDRA represents the Federal Government and has a sacred mandate to regulate the oil industry’s environmental impact and will not tolerate any form of non-compliance or disregard for regulations.
“We will hold every operator accountable for their actions, and ensure that they adhere to the strictest standards of environmental responsibility.”
A cross-section of the DG, Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke, the Port Harcourt Zonal Director, and member of Staff of NOSDRA.
He assured that his leadership will not be compromised by vested interests or industry pressure, or be cowed, saying he is committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all oil industry operators, including International Oil Companies (IOCs), comply with NOSDRA’s regulations.
He said, “I want to assure you that I am not the kind of DG that any oil company would take for a ride. Any oil industry, be it IOCs or anybody, must comply with the regulations of NOSDRA. NOSDRA is not just a private company but an establishment by an Act of law.
“We are to regulate the operations of the oil industry as it relates to oil and gas pollution and spillage, and so nobody, no oil company is above the law.
“I am not the type of DG that they would reach. So let the message go very clearly now, we must do the needful; they must grant you access to take samples, and we must get the results. Be rest assured that you are protected as long as you are committed to your work.”
The DG also addressed the staff of the agency and assured them of his commitment to taking the agency to the next level.
Engineer Woke was conducted around the office by the Zonal Director, Engineer Ime Ekanem, and the head of the NOSDRA reference laboratory, Dr Kenneth Aroh, where he visited the Analytical Session Lab, Microbiological lab, Ecotoxicology lab, and the Web-Chemistry lab.
He expressed gratitude to the staff for their dedication to work and promised improvements in equipment and staff welfare.
“I have come to see things for myself, and I assure you that there will be improvements,” he said. “But I need your commitment to work because your productivity output is what I will be appraised with at the Ministry of Environment.”
He emphasized his role in evaluating staff performance and determining promotions. “I am the one who will decide on your promotions,” he stated unequivocally. “Your work will be assessed, and I will say yes or no to your advancement.”
Engineer Woke also reminded staff that while he leads the agency, the Minister of Environment holds superior authority outside NOSDRA’s walls. “Your productivity will be my report card,” he added, stressing the importance of dedication and hard work.
In a message of camaraderie, Engineer Woke concluded by saying, “My true allies are those who are committed to their work. I eagerly anticipate seeing your accomplishments.”
The visit was Engineer Woke’s first stop since assuming office and the Port Harcourt Zonal office.
