…Seek separate environmental trust fund to ensure transparency and fairness_
By Amieyeofori Ibim, Port Harcourt
The Andoni and Ogu/Bolo Oil-Impacted Communities Committee has petitioned the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the alleged mismanagement of oil spill clean-up funds in the Niger Delta, demanding inclusion in the ongoing Ogoni clean-up and the establishment of a separate trust fund for their areas.
In a memorandum submitted to the committee, the group alleged that despite being among the most severely affected regions highlighted in the 2011 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland, Andoni and Ogu/Bolo Local Government Areas have remained excluded from the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
The memorandum noted that oil spills from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facilities in 2007 and 2008 caused extensive environmental degradation. UNEP reportedly confirmed high levels of hydrocarbon contamination in several communities, including Ataba in Andoni and multiple locations within Ogu/Bolo.
The document was jointly signed by HRH King Acheseinimie M. Frank, JP, KSC, Amanyanabo of Bolo; HRH King Benson Egwenre, Oruk XVII, Okaan Ama of Ataba Kingdom; and Dr. Gordon Amangabara, Secretary of the Committee.
The group further expressed concern over alleged unauthorized operations by contractors within their territories, warning that such activities—undertaken without proper consultation—could jeopardize peace and security in the affected areas.
As part of their recommendations, the Andoni and Ogu/Bolo communities called for the creation of a separate Andoni–Ogu/Bolo Clean-Up Trust Fund to guarantee transparency, accountability, and fairness in the management of environmental restoration efforts.
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