A member of the House of Representatives, Okpolupm Etteh, who represents Eket/ONNA/Esit Eket/Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State, has been picked to head a major investigation. He will be looking into how billions of Naira meant for cleaning up oil spills in the Niger Delta have been spent. The goal is to find out if these clean-up projects were done properly and if the money was well used.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, announced Etteh’s appointment during a House session. He also said the new committee should suggest ways to fix the problems and make sure the clean-up efforts are truly helping the environment in the Niger Delta.

Abbas explained that the House is taking this step because many Nigerians have raised concerns. People are worried about the slow pace and lack of openness in the oil spill clean-up, especially in badly affected areas like Ogoni land and other nearby communities.

He also said the committee would investigate claims that the clean-up funds were misused, wasted, or not properly managed. These funds were meant to clean up pollution and help restore damaged communities in the region.

After his appointment, Etteh said he would carry out the assignment with fairness and dedication. He emphasized that it’s time for the people of the Niger Delta to finally get justice and live in a safe and clean environment.

Etteh stressed that it’s unacceptable for people to continue living in polluted areas while large sums of money meant to help them are missing. The committee plans to speak with all those involved—government bodies, oil companies, local communities, and civil society groups—to uncover the truth.

The committee has a set deadline to finish its investigation. Once it submits its findings, the House may introduce new laws or take legal steps based on what they discover.