RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
An oil spill along the Trans-Forcados Pipeline has affected 216 communities in Delta State, disrupting fishing activities and contributing to fish scarcity and rising prices in affected areas.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed the scale of the impact during a visit to Odidi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, where he directed the immediate deployment of medical teams to communities exposed to the pollution.
Oborevwori said residents should undergo medical assessments to determine possible health effects associated with prolonged exposure to the affected environment.
According to the governor, the number of communities identified as affected by the spill had risen from an initial 86 to 216.
He said the consequences extended beyond questions of compensation because fishing remained a major source of livelihood for many residents.
“When you affect fishing, you affect their livelihood, and that is why we are seeing scarcity and increased prices of fish,” Oborevwori said.
The governor directed Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, HEOSL, to provide medical assistance and relief materials to affected residents while maintaining engagement with the communities.
He said the company had informed the state government that technical operations and cleanup activities were expected to be completed before the end of October, after which compensation and other interventions would be addressed.
Oborevwori urged the company to honour its commitments and appealed to affected communities to remain peaceful while the government continued engagement with relevant stakeholders.
HEOSL General Manager, Operations Integrity, Nelson Wilbert, said the company was working with the state government, host communities, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders to address the incident.
Wilbert said the company’s immediate priority was to complete technical operations, contain the spill and carry out pressure testing before normal operations could safely resume.
However, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr Doubra Okotete, alleged that crude oil was still being transported through leaking pipelines.
He called for urgent containment of the spill, comprehensive environmental remediation, compensation for affected communities and increased medical assistance for residents.
As part of interventions for the Odidi community, Oborevwori approved the construction of a landing jetty and directed the Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council to provide a modern health centre for the community.
