Mulade Seeks Environmental Emergency Over Reported Delta Oil Spill
Call for Immediate Environmental Intervention
ENVIRONMENTAL rights advocate and peace campaigner, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has urged the Federal Government, Delta State Government and relevant environmental regulators to declare an environmental emergency over a reported oil spill affecting communities in Warri South-West and Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Mulade described the reported incident as a serious environmental disaster capable of causing lasting ecological, economic and public health consequences if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
Concerns Over Ageing Oil Infrastructure
According to Mulade, the reported spill is linked to facilities operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited across several Oil Mining Leases (OMLs), with crude transported through the 18-inch Trans Forcados Pipeline.
He alleged that the pipeline, commissioned in the early 1980s, has exceeded its operational lifespan, warning that ageing oil infrastructure continues to pose significant environmental risks across the Niger Delta.
The environmental advocate said the reported contamination has affected rivers, creeks, mangrove forests and farmlands that serve as the primary sources of livelihood for thousands of residents.
Communities Face Livelihood Challenges
Mulade noted that fishermen have reportedly abandoned their fishing grounds, while farmers face losses as farmlands and crops are allegedly impacted by the spill.
He stressed that the reported pollution extends beyond environmental degradation, describing it as a threat to public health, food security and the economic survival of host communities.
Calls for Investigation and Remediation
The activist called on Heritage Energy to immediately contain the reported spill, deploy emergency response teams, commence environmental remediation and engage openly with affected communities.
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 conduct an independent Joint Investigation Visit involving regulators, host communities, environmental experts and civil society organisations.
Mulade further advocated humanitarian assistance, medical support, environmental restoration and adequate compensation for affected residents.
As of the time of reporting, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, NOSDRA and the NUPRC had not publicly responded to the allegations.
