An explosion has rocked the facility of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Okparatubo in Nembe, Bayelsa State disrupting crude oil production.
In a statement on Monday, the oil firm said the incident had cut its oil export from the Brass export terminal by some 25,000 barrels per day.
The statement said the blast which occurred over the weekend had shelved gas output of 13 million standard cubic metres per day.
According to the statement, “An incident occurred on the Ogoda/Brass 24” oil line, at Okparatubo in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The event was caused by a blast, consequently causing a spill. All wells connected to that pipeline were immediately shut-in whilst river booms and containment barges were mobilised to reduce the impact of the spill.
“Regulators for inspection visit and repair teams have also been activated. State and Federal Government and security authorities were notified. Deferred production is estimated at 25 kbopd oil and about 13 MSCM/d of gas. Force majeure has been declared at Brass terminal, Bonny NLNG and Okpai Power Plant.”
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of United Fishing Union in Sangana, Noel Ikonikumo, said the continuous oil spills in the area has threatened fishing, which is the people’s source of livelihood.
He explained that the operating companies have been written to without any feedback from them.
“We have written to the companies concerned to see reason with us and assist us, but we have not got any response from them; we are contemplating seeking redress in court,” he said.
Though the cause of the explosion is still unknown, it was learnt that the impact of the explosion has caused an oil spill, polluting the area.
