Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the new operator of oil assets formerly owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has halted production along a key pipeline in Rivers State following an oil spill incident.
The shutdown affects the company’s 14-inch Okordia–Rumuekpe pipeline located in Ikata, Ahoada East Local Government Area. The company confirmed the spill on Tuesday and said the move was part of immediate efforts to contain the situation and limit environmental damage.
“We have taken immediate steps to isolate and discontinue production into the pipeline to minimise any potential environmental impact,” said Michael Adande, spokesperson for Renaissance Africa Energy, in an official statement.
The company has notified relevant regulatory bodies and is coordinating with them to initiate a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) a statutory process used to assess the cause and scope of such incidents.
“Government regulators have been informed, and we are actively coordinating the statutory joint investigation visit, which will include their representatives and those from the local community,” Adande added.
The spill has drawn concern from local advocacy groups. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) had earlier raised the alarm, urging prompt intervention to prevent environmental degradation in the area.
The incident comes just months after Renaissance Africa finalized its $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s onshore oil and gas portfolio in Nigeria. The acquisition raised expectations for enhanced operational oversight and improved asset integrity under new management.
