June 19, 2024
The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has confirmed an oil leak from the Nembe Oilfields operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Limited at Nembe in Bayelsa.
Mr Solomon Ukponevi, Head of NOSDRA’s field Office in Yenagoa, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Yenagoa.
He said that the oil firm reported the incident to the agency on Tuesday.
He explained that the Agency had deployed its officials to the spill site to ascertain the cause and volume of crude oil discharged to the environment.
On the extent of the pollution, Ukponevi said that the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) scheduled for Wednesday would determine the area among other details.
“I will not be able to provide details until staff deployed for the JIV return from the fields, but I can tell you that Aiteo has reported the spill and investigation is underway,” he said.
The leak occurred on Monday at a section of the 97 kilometer Nembe Creek Trunk line (NCTL) that hitherto fed the Bonny Oil Export Terminal in Rivers.
The barges are used to transport crude from onshore oil wells to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel from which Aiteo exports the Nembe Crude blend to crude tankers.
The Management of Aiteo is yet to respond to the incident.(NAN)
