The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS are forging a strategic partnership to build a more effective and internationally supported framework for oil spill response, environmental protection, and sustainable development across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.
This was the outcome of a high-level working visit by NOSDRA’s Director General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, and his management team to the EU office in Abuja on Tuesday. The visit forms part of NOSDRA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international collaboration in advancing its institutional mandate.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included the need for a robust environmental impact assessment and remediation framework for artisanal refining sites, the deployment of in-situ oil spill response equipment, and a comprehensive capacity-building plan through structured training and retraining initiatives.
Engr. Woke stressed the urgency of the collaboration, citing the devastating effects of illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining on oil-producing communities across the country.
“The main objective of this visit is to seek strategic collaboration with the EU to help escalate the challenges we face, particularly the issues of illegal bunkering and artisanal refineries. With the support of the Nigerian Government and the European Union, we believe we can eliminate the suffering of people living in oil spill-impacted areas and attract stronger international commitment to environmental justice,” he said.
The NOSDRA DG also noted that international collaboration would amplify global attention on environmental degradation in the Niger Delta and other affected regions, while facilitating impactful policy reforms and mobilising critical resources.
In his response, the Acting Head of Delegation at the EU, Mr. Ruben Alba, commended NOSDRA for its proactive approach and pledged the EU’s commitment to support the agency’s mandate.
“We appreciate NOSDRA’s efforts and commitment to environmental protection. As a next step, we will establish a smaller committee to examine the agency’s mandate and determine how best we can contribute to its objectives,” Mr. Alba stated.
A detailed presentation by NOSDRA officials showcased the agency’s core functions, the scale of environmental damage caused by oil spills, and the urgent need for technical and policy-based assistance from the EU to enhance regulatory enforcement, environmental monitoring, and response effectiveness.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment by both parties to pursue deeper collaboration aimed at delivering measurable progress in environmental sustainability.
In attendance from the EU side were several key officials, including Mr. Temitayo Omole, Programme Manager for Human Development; Mr. Tomasz Gawlik, Programme Officer for Climate, Green and Digital Economy Section; and Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager for Energy and Satellite Initiatives.
