Reps Launch Probe Into Alleged Mismanagement Of Niger Delta Oil Spill Clean-Up Funds

…as committee vows transparency, accountability, justice for affected communities

ABUJA – The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of mismanagement in the disbursement and utilization of oil spill clean-up funds in the Niger Delta, assuring that the investigation would promote accountability, transparency, and justice for impacted communities.

Speaking at the inauguration on Friday at the National Assembly Complex, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, said the decision of the House to constitute the panel underscores its determination to address long-standing environmental challenges in the region and ensure responsible management of public funds.

“Today marks a critical moment in our collective commitment to environmental justice as we officially inaugurate the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Mismanagement of Oil Spill Clean-Up Funds in the Niger Delta,” Etteh stated.

He expressed appreciation to the House leadership for entrusting him and his members with what he described as a “nationally significant task,” stressing that the committee’s work would help restore public trust and bring relief to affected communities.

“The creation of this Committee is a clear reflection of the House’s resolve to uphold transparency, ensure accountability, and deliver environmental justice to the long-suffering people of the Niger Delta,” he said.

Etteh lamented that despite billions of naira appropriated over the years to support environmental remediation projects, most communities in the oil-rich region continue to grapple with widespread pollution, health hazards, and loss of livelihoods.

“For years, the Niger Delta has borne the brunt of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration and recurrent spills. Sadly, reports of mismanagement, inefficiency, and lack of coordination have continued to undermine government efforts,” he said.

He noted that the committee’s mandate includes tracing how the clean-up funds were utilized, assessing the performance of implementing agencies, and identifying policy gaps that hinder effective remediation.

“Our assignment is straightforward: to investigate how funds meant for environmental restoration were applied, evaluate the implementation of projects, and consult with all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society, to ensure credible outcomes,” he added.

Etteh assured that the investigation would be conducted with fairness and objectivity, emphasizing that the exercise was not targeted at individuals but intended to uncover the truth and promote institutional integrity.

“This committee is not out for a witch-hunt,” he said. “However, we are determined to ask the hard questions necessary to establish the truth and safeguard the interests of the Niger Delta people.”

He further disclosed that the committee would conduct on-the-spot assessments of clean-up sites to ascertain the actual progress made so far, noting that findings would be based strictly on verifiable evidence.

“We will adopt a transparent approach, engage all concerned parties, and conduct field visits to observe the realities firsthand. Our work will be guided by facts and the rule of law,” Etteh pledged.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and crucial to national stability, stressing that the Niger Delta could no longer afford continued neglect and failed promises.

“It’s time to move from rhetoric to action. We call on all stakeholders, government agencies, host communities, civil society, and the media, to cooperate with us to achieve a credible outcome,” he said.

Etteh assured that the committee would produce “a thorough, objective, and impactful report” that would guide sustainable solutions for the Niger Delta’s environmental crisis, while also commending the leadership of the House for its support.

“I sincerely thank the House leadership for the confidence reposed in us and assure that our final report will be factual, comprehensive, and beneficial to the Nigerian people,” he added.

Representing the Speaker of the House, Hon. Usman Kumo, who serves as the Chief Whip, charged the committee to critically assess the competence of agencies and individuals responsible for managing the clean-up funds.

According to Kumo, the committee must interrogate all aspects of the clean-up process to understand what went wrong and how future mismanagement can be prevented.

“We must determine the capacity of those entrusted with managing the funds, identify the causes of mismanagement, and evaluate the accountability mechanisms in place,” he said.

He urged the committee to be guided by fairness and balance, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver a credible report.

“If these issues are properly understood, solutions will emerge. I trust that members of this committee will be just, objective, and transparent in your findings and recommendations,” Kumo added.