Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operator of the NNPC/Aiteo Joint Venture on OML-29, says it has detected an oil leak at its Nembe swamp facility in OML-29, Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State.
According to a statement by the Group Head, Strategic Communications, Media & Events at Aiteo Group, Ndiana Matthew, the leak was reported on Monday, June 17, 2024, during routine operations by the staff of the AEEPCO.
Ndiana further explained that AEEPCO’s Oil Spill and Emergency Response Team was immediately activated and all production from OML-29 has been shut down.
He said “This is a precautionary measure while mobilizing additional resources to contain the spill. The cause of the spill is currently undetermined. However, we are proactively engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the immediate effects.”
Reacting to the incident, AEEPCO’s Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo, said “During our operations on Monday, June 17, 2024, the subject leak was detected. A Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) with stakeholders has been initiated to determine the cause of this incident.
“While we regret the production losses to the Joint Venture and the nation 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.
“Our joint venture partners and the relevant regulators; The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have been notified of the incident.”
However, the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on Wednesday confirmed the oil leak incident from the Nembe Oilfields operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Limited at Nembe.
Mr Solomon Ukponevi, Head of NOSDRA’s field Office in Yenagoa, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said the oil firm reported the incident on Tuesday.
He explained that the agency has deployed its officials to the spill site to ascertain the cause and volume of crude oil discharged into the environment.
On the extent of the resulting pollution, Ukpenevi said that the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) schedule for today (Wednesday) will determine the area amongst 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.
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