Aniekan Mendie, a rights advocate and former Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bauchi branch, has called on the Federal Government to implement emergency compensation measures for victims of the recent gas leak in Ukanafun Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom. The gas pipeline, owned by Savannah Energy, burst and leaked, causing environmental and health concerns for the local population.
Mendie, a law teacher, expressed concern over the inadequacy of Nigeria’s legal framework governing oil and gas pollution, describing it as lacking clear compensation provisions. He emphasized the need for an urgent government-backed compensation plan to alleviate the suffering of affected residents.
“The oil and gas regulatory laws in Nigeria, including the Oil Pipelines Act and Petroleum Act, are outdated and fail to provide clear compensation guidelines,” Mendie stated. He criticized the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which was expected to address these issues, for not offering a definitive compensation process for pollution victims.
Mendie further highlighted that victims of oil and gas pollution are left with unclear and incomplete legal options, making it difficult for them to seek adequate compensation. He urged the government to address these legislative gaps and provide immediate relief to the people of Ukanafun, who are enduring the harmful effects of oil and gas pollution.
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