FG inaugurates NIOSS committee to strengthen oil spill response architecture

George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated the Joint Project Management Committee (JPMC) for the maiden Nigeria International Oil Spill Summit and Expo (NIOSS), describing the move as a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s oil spill response architecture.

Akume, who was represented at the ceremony by Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, permanent secretary, said that the summit aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that the initiative underscored the administration’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and accountability in addressing the environmental and socio-economic impact of oil spills.

The SGF stressed that the Federal Government expected the committee to work diligently to deliver a summit that will produce practical recommendations, strengthen regulatory coordination, and enhance Nigeria’s global standing in oil spill management and environmental governance.

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The summit is spearheaded by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) in collaboration with Green Clean Innovation Hub Limited.

In his remarks, Chukwuemeka Woke, director-general of NOSDRA, described NIOSS as a landmark initiative aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s oil spill governance framework through strategic partnerships and the adoption of global best practices.

He explained that the summit will provide a high-level platform for regulators, operators, development partners, and host communities to collectively design sustainable solutions to recurring spill incidents across the country.

Woke further disclosed that the agency intended to leverage the summit to launch transformative initiatives, including the development of a national oil spill database for real-time monitoring, strengthened inter-agency surveillance mechanisms, and community-centered response models that empower host communities as active stakeholders in environmental protection.

According to him, beyond policy dialogue, NIOSS will focus on measurable outcomes such as attracting investment in remediation technologies, promoting coastal resilience projects, and integrating innovative financing mechanisms, including carbon credit frameworks, to support long-term ecosystem restoration.

Also speaking, Promise Amaha, consultant to Green Clean Innovation Hub Limited, described NIOSS as a transformative platform designed to bridge policy, technology, and community engagement.

He assured stakeholders of the firm’s commitment to delivering a globally benchmarked summit capable of attracting strategic partnerships and driving sustainable environmental impact.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by directors from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, senior officials of NOSDRA, and representatives of partner organisations.

Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).

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