• Agency Assures Neighbouring Communities Of Safety
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has explained how an oil spill incident occured at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny, Rivers.
The agency gave the explanation in a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward.
According to Edward, the the spill, which happened on December 14, resulted from a ruptured pipeline at the terminal.
Edward disclosed that the SPDC responded promptly by shutting down the affected pipeline and deploying “containment booms” to protect the neighbouring communities.
“Although the spill has reached the shoreline, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is actively monitoring the situation from an emergency operations centre,” he added.
“The agency is collaborating with SPDC and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the spill and determine necessary follow-up actions.”
Edward urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the agency is committed to mitigating the spill’s impact and restoring affected areas.
This happened exactly four months after a similar occurrence at an SPDC facility in the Imiringi community in Bayelsa state.
The Bayelsa’s incident happened on August 14, 2024.
The SPDC said the incident was caused by oil thieves.
