The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has confirmed that host communities near the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in South West Warri, Delta State, are safe following an explosion reported last Thursday. According to a statement by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, a joint preliminary inspection involving NNPC Limited, the Nigeria Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) technical teams, and maintenance contractors was conducted to assess the situation.
The explosion was contained, and coordinated measures were taken to ensure the safety of host communities, personnel, and the environment. The NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), the operator of the network, has activated its business continuity plan to manage the impact on all affected stakeholders, including shippers and suppliers. The company has isolated all relevant pipeline sections and is working to minimize disruptions.
The incident occurred on December 10 at approximately 5:50 p.m. near Tebijor, Okpele, and Ikpopo communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State. The NNPC Limited has assured that it is committed to the safety of its host communities, the protection of the environment, and the reliability of its operations across all assets. The company is maintaining open communication with host communities, state authorities, and other critical stakeholders, and appreciates their sustained support and cooperation.
The Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System is a critical infrastructure for the transportation of gas and petroleum products in Nigeria. The NNPC Limited has a responsibility to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the pipeline system, and the company is taking all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident highlights the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance of pipeline infrastructure to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of communities and the environment.
The NNPC Limited has assured that it will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the pipeline system is operated safely and efficiently. The company’s commitment to safety and environmental protection is crucial for the well-being of host communities and the success of its operations. As the investigation into the incident continues, the NNPC Limited will provide updates on the cause of the explosion and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
