NOSDRA Probes Explosion At Nembe Creek Oilfields

National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) says it has commenced investigations into the explosion at Nembe Creek oilfields within OML 29 operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration..
It would be recalled reports that an explosion from an oil well within the oil block on March 1 ignited a fire which Aiteo officials said was put off on March 2.
NOSDRA’s Director-General, Dr Peter Idabor, said in a telephone interview that a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) had been scheduled for Tuesday to ascertain the possible cause of the incident.
The volume of crude and gas discharged into the surrounding environment arising from the explosion is yet to be ascertained
But Idabor explained that the JIV, a statutory probe of leak incidents in the oil and gas sector would determine the cause of the explosion, volume of oil leakage as well as assess damage to the environment.
He said that a JIV report signed by representatives of the community, NOSDRA, Bayelsa Government and the oil firm who participated in the investigation was expected at the end of the probe.
The D-G explained that NOSDRA was monitoring the situation to ensure that the site was safe ahead of commencement of investigations.
“Safety is a top priority in the sector; we were monitoring developments to ensure that another explosion doesn’t go off; so we have got assurances from the oil company that the place is safe.
“A JIV has been scheduled for today and our intention is to assess the situation and find out what happened,” Idabor said.
Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), in 2015, divested its equity in OML 29 and transferred its interest for $1.7 bn to Aiteo, an indigenous Oil and Gas Exploration and Production firm.
However, a statement signed by Management of the oil firm made available by its Public Relations Manager, Mr Ndiana-Abasi Mathew on Mach 2, confirmed that there was no human casualty.
Aiteo pledged that investigation into the incident was a priority.