NIMASA seeks assistance as oil spill devastates communities

Hard time awaits residents of the communities surrounding the Bonga oil field, where crude oil spill was reported last Tuesday following the pollution of the environment.According to the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the spill has not only polluted the water of the affected communities, but has also eradicated millions of aquatic beings that the people depend on.The Director-General, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, who said this at a press briefing in Lagos, called for urgent assistance for the affected communities.Represented by the Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Dr. Ishiaku Shekarau, Akpobolokemi said that Shell had just communicated with NIMASA on the need for a joint visit to the site on Friday.A statement by the agency on Thursday quoted the NIMASA DG as describing the oil spill at the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Companys Bonga facility as a national disaster.He said the joint visit would comprise teams from NIMASA and other government officials.Akpobolokemi said, "It is important to note that their source of livelihood, which is fishing, has been greatly affected due to the impact of this oil spill and besides, their water is totally polluted.He said, "Further to the report of the preliminary investigation conducted by the agency in respect of Bonga oil field on December 21, 2011, and NIMASA representatives who were at the leak location assisting the rescue efforts, the victims of the coastal community within Delta and Balyesa state namely, Aage and Orobiri one and two communities; they use boat from Warri to scrutinise these areas."
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