Save the Earth and Secure the Future (SESF), an environmental rights group, has renewed its call for N50 billion in compensation, a full cleanup of affected communities, and an investigation into officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) over alleged “ecocide” linked to multiple oil spills in OML 40.

In a statement signed by Nehemiah Tobolayefa and Tari Gideon, SESF accused Nigeria Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and ELCREST of failing to remediate the October 28, 2023 spill and two subsequent incidents, as well as for allegedly dumping hazardous waste around the Opuama Flow Station.

“They have become the mouthpiece of the companies. A rat defends the snake that bites him, while the forest burns,” the group said, criticising community leaders who defended the operators.

SESF noted that a joint investigation visit took place nearly two weeks after the 2023 spill, confirming equipment failure. The group also cited earlier petitions and press briefings by community elders in 2024, which it claimed were ignored by the companies.

Invoking Section 54 of the Petroleum Industry Act and EGASPIN guidelines, SESF stressed that NEPL and ELCREST are legally responsible for cleaning up both current and legacy spills.

The NGO also highlighted rising deaths and cancer cases in the area, referencing findings from the UNEP Ogoniland report, as evidence of the environmental and health impact.

Efforts to obtain comments from NEPL and NOSDRA were unsuccessful, with both parties yet to respond to prior inquiries.