FG TO SPEED UP RESPONSE TO OIL SPILLS_Ada Nkong

In a bid to speed up response to oil spills, the Maritime Administration and safety agency NIMASA ,has signed a memorandum of understanding with National Oil Spill detection and response agency understanding NOSDRA.
Speaking in Abuja at the brief ceremony leading up to the signing, the DG NOSDRA, Mr Idris Musa said the MOU is to spell out the roles for both agencies and ensure a smooth collaboration.
“This is to harmonize the responsibilities of both Agencies especially during oil spill in the marine environment knowing that NOSDRA has the mandate as lead Agency for oil spill management as contained in its Establishment Act No 15 2006. “

He made reference to the Bonga spillage which they had successfully handled in partnership with NIMASA, adding that the goal is to successfully respond to spills within 24 hours.
On his part, the DG NIMASA, who was represented by the deputy director operations, Engr Joseph Fasekin, expressed pleasure at the signing, saying it would deepen cooperation between the agencies.
“Proactive and well calculated response to marine oil spill is very complex and requires a well-coordinated effort by the Parties involved. The objective of this MoU is to strengthen cooperation. coordination and mutual assistance between the two Agencies with respect to Marine Oil Spill Management. This MoU will make response to marine oil pollution incidents in Nigeria efficient and effective and consequently ensures our marine environment sustainability.”
Present at the event were senior officials of both agencies who witnessed the signing of the MOU.