By Chidi Ugwu
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reported that an oil spill occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) loading terminal in Bonny, Rivers State, on December 14, 2024, due to a ruptured pipeline.
NIMASA’s Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, who made this known in a statement, noted that the SPDC has shut down the affected pipeline and deployed containment booms to safeguard nearby communities.
He assured that NIMASA is monitoring the situation from an emergency operations center and collaborating with SPDC to assess the spill’s extent and necessary follow-up actions.
NIMASA further urged the public to remain calm as efforts to mitigate the spill’s impact are underway.
“An oil spill occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny, Rivers State.
“The incident resulted from a ruptured pipeline. SPDC has promptly shut down the affected pipeline and deployed containment booms to protect the neighboring 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 center. The agency is collaborating with SPDC and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the spill and determine necessary follow-up actions.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm as NIMASA is committed to mitigating the impact of the spill and restore affected areas” reads the statement in part.
