By Chidiebere Ugwu
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has said it is closely monitoring the Crude oil spill incident which took place during loading operations in Egina on 15th November 2023 at about 6:30am.
Osagie Edward, the Assistant Director, Public Relations of NIMASA, gave the assurance in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday night.
According to the statement, all relevant agencies including NIMASA, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency NOSDRA, and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC from the Crisis Management Room CMR, are currently monitoring the spill real time using software from the Emergency Response Centre.
“NIMASA is working closely with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency NOSDRA, and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC from the Crisis Management Room CMR, where the spill is being monitored real time using oil spill monitoring software from the Emergency Response Center.
“Though the volume of spill is not yet confirmed, Total Energies is providing aerial surveillance, dispersant application, while further mobilization is being considered. The Oil Spill Response Limited from the United Kingdom is also assisting with pollution control measures. Reconnaissance survey of the impacted area confirms that the shoreline communities of Andoni, Qua-Iboe terminals, Bonny Island, Opobo/Nkoro and Eastern Obolo, which are closest to Egina, are not yet affected.
“The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh OFR, noted that the Agency is in collaboration with all stakeholders to control the pollution and also put in place measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, in line with provisions of the MARPOL Convention.
“Since the incident happened, our men have been liaising with other organs of Government to ensure the pollution is effectively controlled and managed, to protect the marine environment and the communities close to the incident point. Accidents do happen, it’s what we do thereafter that matters and I believe that the IOC Total, working with NIMASA, NUPRC, NOSDRA and collaborating with international service providers, will surely ensure proper management of the spill”. He said.
