20 August 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos -The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, has warned that the illegal occupation of its Belema Flow Station and Gas Plant in Rivers State by some persons since August 11, 2017, could trigger a spill or fire.
It therefore, stated that the development had potentially serious consequences and safety implications both for the people at the facilities and nearby communities.
SPDC had carried out an emergency shutdown of production ahead of the illegal occupation but has been unable to access the facilities since then to ensure a safe shutdown over a prolonged period. “The continued illegal occupation for many days exposes people at the plant to higher safety risks as anything could trigger a spill or fire with potentially serious consequences,” the company warned.
It said it was “deeply concerned that unauthorised persons, including women and children, have been observed in close proximity to equipment that processes crude oil and gas without the protection of safety clothing that is mandatory for people working in or accessing such restricted areas.”
The company reiterated its commitment to the development of the Niger Delta, especially host communities, including Belema and Kula.
The SPDC JV partners have contributed $29 bilion to the economic growth of Nigeria between 2012–2016.
The SPDC JV is also currently supporting various GMoU Cluster Development Boards in the Niger Delta and mentoring NGOs to deploy a total of N7 billion for development projects of host communities’ choice under the GMoU programme.