Rivers Assembly Probes Renaissance Africa Energy Over Alleged Neglect of B-Dere Oil Spill
Rivers Assembly has launched a high-stakes inquiry into alleged negligence by Renaissance Africa Energy following a major oil spill that ravaged B-Dere community in Gokana LGA. The development, which stems from a formal petition filed by community representatives, has intensified public scrutiny over environmental accountability and corporate responsibility in Rivers State.
Intense scrutiny has begun over allegations that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited failed to respond to an oil spill that reportedly devastated B-Dere community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The probe follows a formal petition submitted by the community through its estate surveyors and valuers, Hamilton Odom & Co., calling for urgent legislative intervention.
PulseNets learnt that the petition, signed by ESV Hamilton Odom, was tabled before the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dumle Maol. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, subsequently referred the matter to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions chaired by Hon. Enemi Alabo George for immediate review.
According to documents obtained by PulseNets, the oil spill occurred on May 7, 2025, along the 24 Ogale-Bomu pipeline. A joint assessment carried out by the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and community representatives established that the incident resulted from equipment failure.
The petition detailed widespread destruction within the community. “Our farmlands, vegetation, and water sources have been severely contaminated. Livelihoods have been disrupted, crops have died off, and residents are experiencing financial strain and emotional trauma,” the petition read.
Community representatives further alleged that Renaissance Africa Energy had neither commenced remediation nor provided compensation months after the incident. “What troubles us most is the company’s refusal to act. Our initial engagement on compensation ended without any follow-up or progress,” they added.
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They urged the state legislature to compel the company to take responsibility for the extensive environmental damage, compensate impacted families, and undertake a full cleanup and restoration of the polluted land and water bodies.
In response, Committee Chairman Hon. Enemi Alabo George told PulseNets that the petition would receive expedited attention. “We intend to handle this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Our committee will pursue every necessary step to ensure the affected community gets justice,” he assured.
