Nigeria’s Oil Field, OML 29 Shuts Down Due To Pipeline Leak

The Nembe Creek oil field in Bayelsa State, which produces about 150,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd), has been shut down due to pipeline leakage.

According to the pipeline operator, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company, the shutdown was initiated to contain the spillage into rivers and communities in Yenagoa.

This was disclosed yesterday, June 19, by Aiteo’s E & P Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo, stating that the leak was confirmed during routine checks on Monday, June 17, 2024.

Upon confirming the leak, Aiteo’s oil spill and emergency response team was swiftly activated, and all production of OML 29 promptly ceased.

Okoronkwo told Reuters, “While we regret the production losses and the potential environmental impact, our current priority is to expedite an efficient spill-management process in line with regulatory standards and collaborate with all stakeholders to restore production and mitigate associated risks.”

Solomon Ukponevi, head of the country’s National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), said an investigation was underway to address the oil leakage.

While Aiteo resorted to using barges to convey crude as an alternative before the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) becomes operational, Nigeria has witnessed a significant drop of about 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) in its oil output.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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