NOSDRA to Shell: Intensify efforts in mitigating oil spill impact

Chukwuemeka Woke, director-general of the National Oil Spillage Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), has asked the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to intensify efforts in mitigating the impact of oil leaks from its facilities on local communities.

Woke spoke on Monday during an emergency evaluation tour of an oil spill incident from SPDC’s facility in Bonny Island, Rivers state.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) had reported a leak from the company’s loading terminal in Bonny.

NIMASA said, the spill, which happened on December 14, resulted from a ruptured pipeline at the terminal.

Speaking during the inspection, Woke said the emergency assessment was to evaluate SPDC’s efforts in managing the incident, which had already affected the Oyorokoto community in Andoni local government area.

The NOSDRA chief commended Shell for taking prompt action to contain the incident, stressing the need to prevent further spread.

“Our presence here ahead of the Joint Investigation meeting underscores our commitment towards addressing the containment strategies,” Woke said.

“It is imperative to assess both the immediate measures and the long-term plans to manage and remediate the effects of the spill.”

Woke reaffirmed NOSDRA’s dual mandate of environmental stewardship and swift response.

He noted the agency’s recent provisional approval for using dispersants to manage the spill, underscoring its commitment to reducing ecological damage through partnerships with industry stakeholders.

In his remarks, Abatam Nwosu, the commander of emergency response at Shell Nigeria, restated the oil firm’s dedication to prioritising community safety and environmental preservation.

“Our protocols are stringent, focusing first on human safety and environmental integrity. We have begun multiple responsive actions, including containment via maritime vessels,” Nwosu said.

“Although pinpointing leak origins in open waters is complex, we are working in alignment with NOSDRA, especially in conducting source analysis.”

He stressed the need for analytical sampling on the spill to ascertain its true origin because of multiple operational activities offshore.

Earlier today, the SPDC said the oil spill from the Bonny terminal would not affect oil exports.

The company said the incident affected only one out of the three loading buoys which have been isolated.