By Chris Udochukwu.
The House of Representatives on Thursday moved to set up an ad-hoc committee that will look into the amendment of the two weeks time-frame given to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), to six weeks to provide it with specified information on companies on gas flaring.
This resolution followed the motion raised at plenary by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Rep member representing Isiala Ngwa South/Isiala Ngwa North federal constituency of Abia state.
NOSDRA is a federal government agency responsible for monitoring and responding to oil spills and other related activities in Nigeria.
NOSDRA acts between oil companies and communities at the local and state level.
Hon Ginger moved the motion to make the time frame six weeks as all indications showed the two-week time frame is not enough to provide specified information on the companies involved in the flaring of gas, including the amount flared and penalty cost in the last decade for both local and international companies (IOC) so that the outstanding debts are fully recovered.
Hon. Ginger’s motion was seconded by Hon. Chris Nkwonta, member representing the people of Ukwa East and West Federal Constituency of Abia State.
The motion was supported by the majority of the House and the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas promised that an ad-hoc committee will be set up to look into the matters raised.