Mulade Calls for Environmental Emergency Over Reported Oil Spill in Delta Communities

Delta State-born environmental rights and peace advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on the Federal Government, Delta State Government and relevant regulatory agencies to declare an environmental emergency following a reported oil spill affecting several host communities in Warri South-West and Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mulade described the incident as an environmental disaster with the potential to cause lasting ecological, economic and public health consequences if urgent intervention is not undertaken.

According to him, the reported spill is linked to facilities operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited across Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 4, 26, 34, 38, 41 and 42, with crude transported through the 18-inch Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP). He alleged that the pipeline, constructed in the early 1980s, has exceeded its operational lifespan, warning that ageing infrastructure continues to pose significant environmental risks.

Mulade said rivers, creeks, mangrove forests and farmlands that sustain thousands of residents have reportedly been contaminated, forcing fishermen to abandon their fishing grounds while farmers face the destruction of their crops.

“This is not merely another oil spill; it is an assault on the environment, on public health, and on the survival of communities whose lives depend entirely on the natural ecosystem. Every hour of delay compounds the damage and deepens the suffering of innocent people,” he said.

He accused oil operators of failing to adequately protect the fragile Niger Delta ecosystem and urged Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to immediately contain the spill, deploy emergency response teams, begin comprehensive environmental remediation and engage affected communities transparently.

The environmental advocate also called for an independent Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) involving regulatory agencies, host communities, environmental experts and civil society organisations to determine the cause, extent and impact of the incident.

Mulade further urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Federal Ministry of Environment to investigate the reported spill and ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations.

“Corporate responsibility cannot end with oil production. Companies operating in the Niger Delta must demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of human lives. The era where communities are abandoned to suffer the consequences of pollution must end,” he stated.

He also called for immediate humanitarian relief, medical support, environmental restoration and adequate compensation for affected residents.

As of the time of filing this report, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, NOSDRA and the NUPRC had not publicly responded to Mulade’s allegations. FocalPoint Reports will publish their responses when received.