Oando Plc, the indigenous oil company that acquired Nigeria Agip Oil Company, has reported four operational oil spills from October 2024 to date. The company has also confirmed the successful completion of repairs on the pipeline involved in a recent spill along the NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd/Oando pipeline in Bayelsa State.
The disclosure was made in a statement released by Oando’s Spokesperson, Alero Balogun, General Manager for Human Resources & Business Support, on Tuesday. The statement follows a May 3 spill incident near the Ogboinbiri flow station in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, which feeds crude to Oando’s export terminal at Brass, Bayelsa.
Spill Incidents and Immediate Response
According to the statement, Oando confirmed that between October 2024 and now, four oil spill incidents had occurred. In each case, the company swiftly activated its emergency response protocols in line with company policy. This included the immediate shut-in of affected wells and halting crude oil delivery through the compromised pipeline.
The company deployed containment materials to prevent the spread of the oil and promptly launched recovery efforts. Additionally, as part of regulatory compliance, Joint Investigation Visits were carried out with key stakeholders, including government regulatory agencies and representatives from the Ogboinbiri community.
Successful Repairs and Ongoing Pipeline Improvements
Balogun confirmed that the repair work on the affected sections of the pipeline had been successfully completed. In a bid to further reduce the likelihood of future incidents, the company is also undertaking a sectional replacement of the pipeline to address areas that are in a deteriorated condition.
“Oando Plc announces the successful completion of repairs to its pipeline following oil spill incidents along the NEPL/Oando pipeline, which affected the Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State,” Balogun stated.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Oando reiterated its commitment to the long-term environmental sustainability of the region and emphasized its ongoing efforts to support its host communities.
The company’s proactive approach and transparent communication with stakeholders underscore its dedication to addressing operational challenges and mitigating the environmental impact of its activities.
