The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), a parastatal under the federal Ministry of Environment was established in 2006 by an Act of the National Assembly. It is vested with the responsibility to co-ordinate the implementation of the National Oil Spill Contingency plan (NOSCP) for Nigeria in accordance with the international convention on oil pollution preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) 1990, to which Nigeria is a signatory. NOSDRA is also mandated to play the lead role in ensuring    timely, effective and appropriate response to oil spills, as well as ensuring clean up and remediation of all impacted sites to all best practical extent. It shall also identify high risk/priority areas in the oil-producing environment for protection as well as ensure compliance of oil industry operators with all existing environment for operators with all existing environmental legislations in the petroleum sector.
The Agency has set up zonal offices in Port Harcourt, Warri, Uyo, all in the Niger-Delta region where the majority of oil exploration and production in Nigeria is carried out. The Lagos office started operation in April 2008, while Kaduna office became operational in September 2009. Also the Akure office has just been opened.
The agency has set up Zonal offices in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Uyo, all in the Niger-Delta region where the majority of oil exploration and production in Nigeria is carried out. The Lagos office started operation in April 2008, while Kaduna office became operational in September 2009. Also the Akure office has just been opened.
This publication is to provide information on the scope of Agency’s mandate and the activities of the agency. With the onerous task ahead, NOSDRA is committed to delivering its mandate to the best of its ability for the preservation and sustainability of our environment, particularly in the Oil and Gas Sector. The task ahead is no doubt enormous but with the co-operation of all stakeholders, the challenges ahead are not insurmountable.

Sir Peter Idabor
Director General/chief Executive Officer
National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA)
Abuja.
May 2011