Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has halted operations on its 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek pipeline in Obololi, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following a significant oil spill. The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) is actively overseeing the situation to ensure appropriate measures are taken.
NOSDRA’s Director-General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, stated that the agency conducted a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the spill site on February 18, 2025. However, the cause of the leak remains undetermined, as the suspected breach is submerged, rendering the initial investigation inconclusive. SPDC is currently constructing a cofferdam to access the leak point for a thorough assessment. Containment efforts have been completed, and temporary storage tanks are en route to the location, with oil recovery operations expected to commence shortly.
In response to the incident, SPDC has suspended production activities in the affected area to facilitate containment and cleanup efforts. The spill has reportedly polluted local rivers, adversely affecting aquatic life and the livelihoods of residents who depend on these water sources.
The Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, Chief Target Segibo, has pledged to provide alternative water supplies to the impacted community, acknowledging the contamination of the Nun River, which serves as a primary water source for locals.
NOSDRA continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that SPDC adheres to regulatory compliance and implements effective remediation measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the spill.
