The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has confirmed an oil spill incident at the Shell Petroleum Development Company loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny, Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, revealed that the spill, which occurred on December 14, was caused by a ruptured pipeline at the terminal.
Edward noted that SPDC promptly shut down the affected pipeline and deployed containment booms to limit the spill’s spread and protect nearby communities. Despite these measures, some of the spilled oil has reportedly reached the shoreline.
“NIMASA is actively monitoring the situation from an emergency operations centre,” Edward stated.
He added that the agency is collaborating with SPDC and other stakeholders to assess the extent of the spill and determine appropriate follow-up actions.
NIMASA assured the public of its commitment to mitigating the spill’s impact and restoring affected areas. Edward urged residents in the vicinity to remain calm as containment efforts continue.
This is not the first oil spill incident involving SPDC this year. On August 14, an oil spill occurred at an SPDC facility in the Imiringi community of Bayelsa State, which the company attributed to oil theft.
