The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the immediate strengthening of security measures at all inactive oil wells in Ogoniland, Rivers State, to prevent interference and sabotage. This move follows a massive oil spill at the Yorla Oil Field in the Kpean community, which destroyed farmlands and vegetation in the area. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who led a government delegation to assess the damage, attributed the incident to sabotage, stating that the well had been inactive for over 30 years.
The oil spill, which occurred in September, has been stopped, and recovery efforts are underway. Ribadu assured that assets have been mobilized to address the spill and that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible. He emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s wealth and urged residents to cooperate in preventing future incidents. The government has also engaged with the Ogoni people, listening to their needs and demands, and has directed security agencies to secure all inactive oil-producing areas in Ogoniland.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has conducted a Joint Investigation Visit to the spill site, with a second visit currently underway. According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, the initial visit was conducted when conditions were unsafe, but the follow-up visit will allow for a more comprehensive assessment. The NNPC has welcomed the opportunity to re-enter the area and begin work, with the first step being a full asset integrity assessment to determine the condition of facilities and secure vulnerable points.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, described the spill as disturbing but confirmed that it had been stopped. He noted that arrangements are being put in place to address all potential areas prone to similar spillages. The Federal Government’s intervention is part of a broader effort to develop Ogoniland, which has suffered from decades of environmental degradation. The government’s actions aim to balance economic development with environmental protection and community engagement. With the situation being closely monitored, the next steps will focus on restoring the affected area and preventing similar incidents in the future.