The House of Representatives has begun consideration of a bill seeking to introduce tougher penalties, including criminal sanctions, for oil spill violations, following its passage by the Senate.

The proposed legislation, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (Establishment) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to strengthen the enforcement powers of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and impose stiffer sanctions for environmental violations in the petroleum industry.

The bill has passed its first reading in the House after being transmitted by the Senate for concurrence, according to reports.

The Senate passed the legislation after adopting the report of its Committee on Environment, amid concerns that existing penalties have failed to deter oil companies and other operators from violating environmental regulations.

During consideration of the bill, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno said persistent oil pollution had caused significant environmental damage and affected the livelihoods of people in oil-producing communities.

He said communities dependent on fishing and farming had been particularly affected by repeated oil spills and argued that the existing fines were inadequate to discourage violations.

The proposed amendment seeks to introduce criminal liability for specified oil spill violations that cause environmental damage and deprive residents of their means of livelihood, alongside increased financial penalties.

It would also strengthen NOSDRA’s capacity to enforce environmental regulations and hold