Yemisi Izuora
Total exploration and production (E&P) Nigeria has announced stoppage of exploration activities from its Obagi-Rumuekpe oil export pipeline.
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.