By Faridat Salifu
In a move to enhance its operational effectiveness and visibility, the National Oil Spillage Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) is undergoing a strategic realignment aimed at boosting its internally generated revenue.
The agency’s Director General and Chief Executive, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, issued this directive during an extraordinary meeting on Monday at the agency’s headquarters, setting the tone for a new chapter in NOSDRA’s 18-year history.
Engr. Woke, who addressed senior management and zonal heads, called for urgent reforms to align NOSDRA’s operations with the strategic goals outlined in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
As Nigeria seeks to increase crude oil production to bolster national revenue, NOSDRA’s role in managing the environmental impact of the oil industry has never been more critical.
Reflecting on the agency’s journey since its establishment in 2006, Woke acknowledged the shortcomings in NOSDRA’s impact. “As we approach our 20th anniversary, it is imperative that we reassess our effectiveness in meeting the expectations set forth in our founding legislation,” he stated.
The Director General emphasized the need for a concerted effort to reposition NOSDRA’s operations to better support the Federal Government’s initiatives.
He highlighted the importance of enhancing the agency’s image and operational effectiveness to gain the trust of local communities, international stakeholders, and oil companies.
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“Our agency’s narrative must change,” Woke said, stressing the need for improved cooperation with other bodies and an increased focus on generating internal revenue.
He reaffirmed NOSDRA’s unique position as the sole legally established agency dedicated to oil spill detection and response, committed to adhering to the highest operational standards.
During the meeting, zonal and field heads, along with department directors, presented comprehensive reports on their operational domains, including achievements and ongoing challenges.
Representatives from regional offices across the country provided detailed overviews of their activities, offering insights into staff distribution and the nature of their operations in downstream, midstream, and upstream sectors.
Notably, the Head of the National Reference Laboratory in Port Harcourt contributed valuable insights through a detailed presentation, further enriching the strategic discussions.
As NOSDRA prepares to mark its 20th anniversary, the agency is set to elevate its impact on oil spill management and community welfare, striving to meet stakeholder expectations and earn widespread respect.
Engr. Woke’s call for teamwork and active engagement underscores the agency’s commitment to overcoming existing challenges and achieving its statutory objectives.
The reforms initiated under Woke’s leadership aim to ensure that NOSDRA not only fulfills its mandate more effectively but also plays a pivotal role in the broader national strategy for environmental protection and economic growth.
