Business
Shell To Resume TNP Pipeline Test

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Limited is planning to resume the testing of its main trunkline, the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
A competent source, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development to The Tide’s source in Lagos.
The source reports that the TNP takes crude from production fields to SPDC joint venture terminal in Bonny Island in Rivers State.
It supports crude oil production from the facilities of the SPDC joint venture and other producers who rely on the Bonny terminal for crude export.
The source said the company and Bodo Community in Rivers State might be nearing some agreement in resolving the dispute over the pipeline.
According to the source, the resolution will allow regulators and SPDC access any troubled sections of the TNP in the community for investigation and necessary repairs.
It added that the community had given both SPDC and regulators some conditions before granting them access.
“Some people prevented the company and regulators from accessing the site of the alleged spills, but I can tell you that the access challenge is being resolved, such that the regulator and SPDC will be allowed to visit the site any moment.
“We know the SPDC joint venture’s TNP is not formally shut, but we also know that the line has not conveyed significant oil in more than two months.
“So, if it is established that a spill did occur, we expect that any impact of the spill would be minimal”, the source said.
Also, spokesperson for SPDC, Mr Michael Adande, said the company was working with relevant stakeholders to enable access to the locations of reported incidents along the TNP’s pathway.
He said the access would allow for a regulator-led investigation of the alleged incidents and subsequent repairs, which would enable resumption of the TNP system test.
Business
Kenyan Runners Dominate Berlin Marathons
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.