NEWS
Abia State Assembly Summons NPDC Over Owazza Pipeline Explosion, Demands Relief for Victims
The Abia State House of Assembly has invited the management of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to appear before it over the devastating pipeline explosion that occurred in Owazza Community, Ukwa West Local Government Area, with lawmakers demanding immediate relief and compensation for affected residents.
The invitation followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented during plenary by the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele, titled A Call for Urgent Relief and Total Rehabilitation of Damages Caused by Pipeline Explosion in Owazza Community of Ukwa West.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Adiele recalled that the pipeline explosion, which occurred on June 22, 2026, caused extensive destruction in the community, leaving farmlands, residential buildings, household belongings and other valuable properties in ruins. He said the incident also displaced many residents and destroyed their means of livelihood.
The lawmaker informed the House that investigations conducted by the Abia State Government through the Commissioners for Environment and Petroleum Resources reportedly faulted the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, which had taken over the management of the affected pipeline from Shell Petroleum Development Company.
He urged the House to call on the Abia State Government to compel the NPDC management, which he said had yet to identify with the people of Owazza since the disaster occurred, to provide immediate relief materials and humanitarian assistance to victims.
Hon. Adiele also requested that the Assembly invite the company’s management for an interface with lawmakers and direct it to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the affected community to determine the extent of the damage and make a formal commitment toward the payment of adequate compensation to victims.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously approved the prayers of the motion and directed Hon. Adiele to work closely with the House Committee on Environment to ensure full compliance with the resolutions.
The Assembly’s intervention is expected to intensify efforts to secure justice, relief and compensation for the affected residents while ensuring accountability over the pipeline explosion that devastated the Owazza Community.