The bill was passed following the adoption of a report presented on behalf of the Senate Committee on Environment. It seeks to amend the NOSDRA Establishment Act of 2006 by strengthening the legal framework for enforcing environmental regulations in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Presenting the committee’s report, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno said the proposed amendment was aimed at tackling persistent environmental pollution in the Niger Delta, where oil spills have continued to damage ecosystems and undermine the livelihoods of residents, particularly those who depend on fishing and farming.
Monguno noted that existing penalties had failed to sufficiently deter offenders, making stricter sanctions necessary to curb violations. “The fines are not deterrent enough to deter offenders,” he told lawmakers.
He added that the proposed legislation would introduce criminal liability for oil spills that cause environmental damage and deprive affected communities of their means of livelihood.
During deliberations, the Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the bill clause by clause. Lawmakers approved Clauses 1 to 12, as well as the short title, explanatory memorandum and long title.
The Senate subsequently resumed plenary, where the bill was read for the third time and passed.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Senate Committee on Environment for its work and congratulated NOSDRA on the additional enforcement powers proposed in the legislation.
The passage marks another stage in the legislative process. The bill must still meet the remaining constitutional and legislative requirements before it can become law.
