Yemisi Izuora
Two international oil exploration companies, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, (SPDC) and Total have suspended activities at key oil installations in the Niger Delta.
The shut down of the facilities followed attempts by suspected oil thieves who tampered with those critical infrastructures in a bid to steal crude oil.
While SPDC has declared force majeure on Bonny Light exports Total exploration and production (E&P) Nigeria announced stoppage of exploration activities from its Obagi-Rumuekpe oil export pipeline.
SPDC in a statement issued in Lagos said, the development followed the shutdown of both the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, and Nembe Creek Trunkline, NCTL.
It said a leak was reported on the TNP at Oloma in Rivers State, while the NCTL was shut down for the removal of crude theft points, the statement said, adding that SPDC was working to repair and reopen the two lines as quickly as possible.
Total on its own explained that the action was necessitated by oil spill at Kilometer 25 and 27 locations within the field.
The company has quickly taken restraining measures and had informed relevant authorities.
A Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), in accordance with the extant regulations, has been carried out since then on the oil spill locations, with relevant regulatory agencies which include ,DPR, NOSDRA and Rivers State Ministry of Environment.
The JIV team during the investigation ascertained that the oil spill incident was due to third-party interference (sabotage).
Total has also mobilized intervention teams, to clamp the leaks on the pipeline.
Relevant agencies and service providers were also mobilized and have deployed containment booms to contain the spill and prevent further spread.
The company maintained that it is committed to preventing further spread of the spill and to restore the environment.
“Total will continue to work with the relevant government authorities and communities, to ensure that this is achieved” a statement from the company said.