Oborevwori Orders Medical Intervention, Cleanup as Trans-Forcados Oil Spill Affects 216 Communities

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered immediate medical intervention and urgent cleanup measures following an oil spill along the Trans-Forcados pipeline that has affected hundreds of communities in the state.

Oborevwori gave the directives during an inspection visit to Odidi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, where he ordered the Commissioner for Health to deploy medical teams to affected communities to assess residents and determine the possible health impact of prolonged exposure to pollution.

The governor said the situation required urgent action, stressing that the intervention must go beyond the distribution of relief materials to address potential health and environmental consequences.

He also directed Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to deploy medical personnel and provide relief materials to affected residents. The medical teams are expected to assess the affected communities and determine appropriate treatment and other interventions.

According to Oborevwori, the number of communities affected by the spill has risen from an initial estimate of 86 to 216. He said the operating company had assured the state government that technical work would be completed and the cleanup concluded before the end of October.

The governor called for meaningful dialogue between the oil operator and host communities, while warning that commitments made by the company must be honoured. He also directed the commissioners responsible for oil and gas and the environment to monitor compliance and report on progress.

Oborevwori said the pollution had severely affected fishing, a major source of livelihood for residents in the affected areas, leading to reduced fish availability and higher prices. He said the crisis was not only about compensation but also about restoring the environment, protecting residents and preserving livelihoods.

As part of the intervention, the governor approved the construction of a landing jetty for Odidi Community and directed the Warri South-West Local Government Council chairman to construct a modern health centre for the community.

Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited said it was working with the state government, host communities, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders to resolve the crisis. The company said its immediate priority was to complete technical operations, stop the spill and conduct pressure testing before restoring normal operations.

The company also said it would work with regulators and affected communities to assess environmental damage, carry out cleanup operations and provide appropriate compensation.

Meanwhile, Ijaw Youth Council President Doubra Okotete called for urgent action to halt the pollution. He alleged that crude oil was still being pumped through leaking pipelines and urged authorities and operators to accelerate remediation, compensation and medical support for affected residents.