NOSDRA Confirms Oil Spill from Shell’s Pipeline in Bayelsa, Investigation Ongoing
By springnewsng Media Limited
The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has confirmed an oil spill at Obololi community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The spill, which emanated from the 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has discharged an unspecified volume of crude into the River Nun, affecting surrounding areas.
A statement signed by NOSDRA’s Director-General, Mr. Chukwuemeka Woke, and made available on Thursday in Yenagoa, revealed that investigations into the incident are ongoing. According to Woke, NOSDRA received the report of the spill on Monday and immediately convened a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to determine its cause and extent.
“The JIV was led by NOSDRA with participation from relevant stakeholders, including SPDC, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, and representatives of the affected community. The objective was to establish key facts surrounding the spill and recommend necessary regulatory compliance actions to mitigate its impact,” the statement read.
However, Woke noted that the JIV could not determine the exact cause of the spill, as the suspected leak point remains submerged in water. He stated that SPDC is in the process of constructing a coffer dam to access the leakage site and facilitate further investigation.
Meanwhile, NOSDRA has assured that containment measures have been implemented at the spill site, while temporary storage tanks are being deployed in preparation for the recovery of the spilled crude, expected to commence on Friday. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the response efforts and ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are enforced.
In response to the environmental impact of the spill, Chief Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, visited the affected communities and pledged to provide an alternative water source, acknowledging that the pollution of the Nun River has severely affected the local population’s access to clean water.
Despite NOSDRA’s swift response, SPDC officials have yet to issue an official statement on their planned remedial actions regarding the spill. The affected communities, meanwhile, continue to await a concrete response from the oil firm regarding compensation and remediation efforts.
