NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY ESTABLISHMENT ACT 2006
Act · Energy
Policy date: 2006-01-01
An Act that establishes the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency to coordinate oil spill responses. It targets oil and gas operators and affected communities for rapid clean-up and accountability. This minimizes environmental damage and holds polluters responsible.
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) as the coordinating authority for detection, containment, and clean-up of oil spills in Nigeria, and as the body that holds responsible parties accountable for remediation costs.
Who Does It Target?
Oil and gas operators in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors Pipeline operators and petroleum transporters NOSDRA as the coordinating authority Affected communities and landowners
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To ensure rapid and effective response to oil spills, minimise environmental and livelihood damage from petroleum-related pollution, hold polluters financially responsible for clean-up, and coordinate multi-agency emergency response.
Key Features
Spill Detection: NOSDRA operates a surveillance and reporting system for oil spills across Nigeria. Coordinated Response: NOSDRA coordinates response operations involving NUPRC, DPR, NPA, the Navy, and the polluter. Polluter Pays Principle: Responsible parties bear the full cost of clean-up and remediation regardless of cause. Joint Investigation Visits: NOSDRA leads Joint Investigation Visits to determine the cause, volume, and impact of each spill. Penalties: Failure to report a spill, obstruction of NOSDRA, or failure to remediate attracts fines and prosecution.
Current Status
How to Access
Report oil spills to NOSDRA immediately using the 24-hour emergency line Oil operators must have approved Oil Spill Contingency Plans Affected communities may register claims through NOSDRA for damage assessment Application method: NOSDRA headquarters, Abuja, and state field offices in Niger Delta states
Important Terms
Spills must be reported within 24 hours of occurrence Failure to contain and remediate a spill is an independent offence Operators must hold an approved contingency plan before commencing operations
Official Resources
Website: www.nosdra.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
The NOSDRA Establishment Act 2006 establishes the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency. It operates alongside the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the Oil Pipelines Act, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992. The Act aligns with the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC 1990), the MARPOL Convention on oil pollution from ships, and the OSPAR Convention standards applicable to Nigeria's offshore zone.