Reps task NNPC, subsidiaries on Caritas University unending fire outbreak

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, tasked authorities of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) and its subsidiaries, including the Nigerian Gas Company Ltd to take urgent steps to put out the unending fire at Caritas University site, Amorji Nike, Enugu State.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the need to investigate the unending fire at the Caritas University site, Amorji Nike, Enugu State, put up by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu.

While soliciting for the House intervention, Hon. Okechukwu observed that the unending fire suspected to be fueled by methane gas at the premises of Caritas University, Amorji Nike, Enugu State has lasted for over 21 days.

“The House further notes that the fire which has claimed one life reportedly started, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 after borehole drillers engaged by the university struck a gas belt after about 1,242 feet below the earth.

“The House also notes that all efforts by the Nigerian Civil and Defense Corps (NSCDC), federal and state fire services, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its state counterpart (SEMA) to put out the fire has failed, including pouring over 12 tanks of water with four drums of chemicals.

“The House is aware that since the fire started, there has been no known intervention from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) or any of its agencies.

“The House recalls that pursuant to our laws, the federal government is responsible for underground mineral resources and deposits.

“The House is concerned that this incident which has been ongoing in a university community poses the risk of further exposure to the general public.

“The House is worried about the environmental hazards occasioned by this suspected gas flaring bearing in mind the precarious situations in the South South geopolitical zone.

“The House is aware of the indications of available mineral deposits in the South East coupled with the recent recognition of Anambra and Kogi States as oil producing states, hence the need to explore oil in the Enugu belt.

“The House is aware that experts have warned of the danger of the fire to the ecosystem as same could burn for 50 years.

“The House is alarmed that an estimated 5,000 cubic feet of gas is consumed every minute in the fire according to experts.

“The House is mindful of the commitment of the 9th House of Representatives to ensure delivery of value and make life less stressful to Nigerians,” Hon. Okechukwu said.

In the bid to avert the disaster, the House called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and its subsidiaries, the Department of Petroleum Resources and all relevant agencies to undertake a detailed study of the environmental impact of the fire.

To this end, the House mandated its committee on petroleum resources (Upstream) to follow up and report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action. (Nigerian Tribune)