The Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Project Management Committee (JPMC) for the maiden Nigeria International Oil Spill Summit and Expo (NIOSS), formally kick-starting preparations for the global environmental conference and unveiling its official logo.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was conducted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday, 18th February, 2026, by Dewan Nengak Goshit,
Head, Information and Public Relations Department.
Akume described the initiative as timely and critical, noting that Nigeria has for decades grappled with persistent oil spill incidents and their far-reaching consequences.
According to him, over 1,000 oil spill cases are recorded annually, with an estimated 13 million barrels of crude oil spilled over time.
He said the environmental and economic toll — including ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, destruction of livelihoods, public health challenges and significant financial setbacks — underscores the urgency of coordinated national and international action.
The summit, spearheaded by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) in collaboration with Green Clean Innovation Hub Limited, is designed to provide a global platform for dialogue, innovation and strategic partnerships aimed at tackling oil spill challenges.
Akume urged members of the nine-man committee to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and patriotism, emphasizing that the summit would strengthen oil spill preparedness and response at national and sub-national levels.
He added that NIOSS would promote innovation, technology transfer and investment in environmental protection, while fostering collaboration among government agencies, industry operators, host communities, academia and international partners.
The government, he said, remains committed to science-driven, inclusive and community-centred solutions that safeguard natural resources while sustaining livelihoods.
The committee, chaired by Mr. Ifiok Abba, comprises representatives from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), NOSDRA and Green Clean Innovation Hub Limited.
It has been mandated to ensure transparency, coordination, accountability and timely delivery of all components of the summit.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening oil spill prevention, response and environmental restoration efforts.
Woke said NIOSS 2026 would serve as a premier multi-stakeholder platform bringing together government leaders, oil and gas industry operators, research institutions, investors, host community representatives and environmental advocates to develop sustainable strategies for oil spill prevention, emergency response and ecosystem recovery.
The summit is expected to position Nigeria as a leader in oil spill response, coastal restoration and climate action on the global stage.