The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, at the plenary session on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, appointed Rep. Okpolupm Etteh, the Member representing Eket/ONNA/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, as Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Mismanagement of Oil Spills Clean-Up Funds in the Niger Delta.
According to the Speaker, the Committee is tasked with investigating the alleged misappropriation, underutilization, and lack of transparency in the administration of funds earmarked for the environmental remediation and community rehabilitation efforts in the Niger Delta region.
The House’s decision follows growing national concerns and petitions from stakeholders over the slow pace and perceived opacity in the multi-billion Naira clean-up projects, particularly in areas devastated by decades of oil spills and environmental degradation, such as Ogoni land and other impacted communities.
Rep. Etteh, a Fellow of the Institute of Oil & Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies, known for his strong advocacy on environmental justice and sustainable development, is expected to lead a thorough, evidence-based inquiry to uncover lapses in project execution, trace fund disbursement, and recommend reforms to ensure accountability and renewed commitment to the region’s ecological restoration.
Speaking shortly after his appointment, Rep. Etteh pledged to approach the assignment with diligence, fairness, and patriotism, emphasizing the urgent need to restore public trust and ensure that the long-suffering communities of the Niger Delta finally receive the justice and environmental remediation they deserve.
“Our people cannot continue to live in polluted environments while huge sums meant for clean-up efforts are unaccounted for. This Committee will engage with all stakeholders including government agencies, international oil companies, host communities, and civil society, to get to the root of the matter,” he stressed.
The committee is expected to submit its findings within a stipulated timeframe, after which the House may take legislative or prosecutorial actions based on its recommendations.
