The Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria (ARFAN) in the Niger Delta has urged the Federal Government to sanction oil companies that defaulted in their responsibilities when oil spills occur.

The Niger Delta Coordinator of ARFAN, Mr. Inyang Ekong, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket, Akwa Ibom, on Sunday.

According to him, the measure will deter other oil companies and curb oil spillage in oil producing communities.

He said oil companies in the region had failed in their obligations to promptly clear spills and adequately compensate communities and individuals affected by the spills.

He added that ``except the Federal Government evolves stringent measures to control the oil companies against spillage as done in other countries of the world, they will continue to operate irresponsibly.

``The Federal Government should penalise defaulting oil companies that cause spillage in any reported incident.

Ekong said if stringent actions were not taken against defaulting companies, fishermen and the host communities would continue to suffer the impact of oil spillage in the country, as he decried the environmental hazards caused by oil exploitation in the region.

He said ``oil companies should be careful the way they operate so that they don’t pollute the territorial waters in which fishermen do their fishing.’’

The ARFAN coordinator also urged the Federal Government to strengthen the capacity of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and other regulatory agencies to enable them to perform effectively.

He lamented that fishermen in Akwa Ibom had not fully carried out their fishing activities since the spill which occurred from ExxonMobil offshore facility on April 11.

He added that the development had caused scarcity of fish and exposed the fishermen to danger. (NAN)

*Photo shows Oil spillage