IYC Tasks Britannia-U to Take Responsibility, Action After Incident.

IYC Tasks Britannia-U to Take Responsibility, Action After Incident.

Following a fact-finding mission to the Ajakpa Field (OML 90) drilling platform of  Britannia-U Nigeria Limited;

The Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, embodies the lamentations of Ijaw communities in Ogulagha Kingdom and its environment that are affected by the fire incident at the Ajakpa Field (OML 90) drilling platform of  Britannia-U Nigeria Limited, 10.77 nautical miles south of Forcados Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria, which occured on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

The IYC Western Zone expresses concern that more than 72 hours after the unfortunate incident that has attracted widespread attention, the facility remains in flames.

While we sympathize with the company over the sad incident resulting to losses, we condemn in strong terms the level of negligence displayed by Britannia-U Nigeria Limited in the face of potential escalation

We have it in good authority that the havoc-wrecking inferno could have been avoided if the company had prioritized the welfare of our people by sustaining regular maintenance and repair measures.

The IYC Western Zone calls on Britania-U to with immediate effect put off the flames at the facility to avert wrecking further havoc that could arise from the incident site.

The IYC Western Zone witnessed with utmost dismay the level at which spilt crude oil content has overtaken the River Forcados once again.

Suffice to say that the River Forcados is not only a body of water but a lifeblood of numerous communities, providing essential resources and serving as a vital source of livelihood. The recent incident poses a great threat to the environmental health and economic well-being of communities situated along the River Forcados.

That Britannia-U Nigeria Limited should urgently implement actionable strategies to mitigate the impending harsh effects as a result of the incident by providing relief materials to its host - Ogulagha Kingdom, and other communities exposed to these challenges.

That failure of Britannia-U Nigeria Limited to address the aforementioned resulting effects of the explosion and appropriate compensation according to international practice would be perceived as a slight and disregard for the welfare of residents of affected communities, that would not be tolerated.

Until appropriate remedial measures are effected in full adequacy, the IYC Western Zone will continue to hold Britannia-U Nigeria Limited accountable.

Emphatically, we demand utmost accountability and immediate action from Britannia-U Nigeria Limited to restore the River Forcados to a liveable condition.

Signed:

Comrade Nicholas Igarama

Chairman, IYC Western Zone 

Barr. Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo

Secretary, IYC Western Zone

Tare Magbei 

Information Officer, IYC Western Zone