There is tension in Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. following an explosion that rocked the facility of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).
Eni, which is the parent company of NAOC, on Monday revealed that the blast has disrupted oil production, cutting oil export from its Brass Export terminal by some 25,000 barrels per day.
According to Eni the explosion was the second attack in a few days after an earlier incident on February 28 at its Obama flow station led to a production shortfall of 5,000 barrels per day.
In a statement which was sighted by Africa Daily News, New York, Eni’s management also disclosed that the gas output of 13 million standard cubic metres per day has been deferred due to the incident.
Already the blast has forced NAOC to declare ‘Force Majeure’ on expected oil output at Brass terminal and gas feeds to Bonny NLNG and Okpai Power Plant.
Investigation revealed that the impact of the blast has caused an oil spill in the surrounding area with crude oil polluting the waters.
‘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 mobilized 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,’ Eni stated.
Africa Daily News, New York reports that the actual cause of the explosion is yet to be known but the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) confirmed the Joint Investigative Visits on the two incidents have been conducted, but said that the field officers assigned were yet to file their reports.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
