Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Oando Plc, the new operator of Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC, assets, has confirmed it recorded four operational oil spills in Bayelsa State since October 2024, with the latest incident contaminating the Nun River and surrounding farmlands in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The disclosure follows a major spill reported on May 3, 2025, around Oando’s Ogboinbiri flow station, a critical asset that supplies crude oil to the Brass export terminal.
The incident, which severely impacted fishing and farming communities along the Nun River, has drawn attention to the environmental risks associated with aging oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the General Manager, Human Resources and Business Support at Oando Group, Mrs. Alero Balogun, the company said it has successfully repaired the ruptured pipeline and launched broader measures to prevent future spills.
“Between October 2024 to date, four operational spills occurred. Upon identification of each incident, we swiftly activated emergency response protocols in line with company policy.
“This included immediate shut-in of the affected wells, cessation of crude oil delivery, and deployment of containment materials to prevent further spread of the oil,” Balogun said.
She added that the company has completed repairs on the affected pipelines and has commenced sectional replacements to address the deteriorating state of some infrastructure.
“In accordance with regulatory requirements, Joint Investigation Visits were conducted with all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies such as NOSDRA and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, as well as representatives of the Ogboinbiri community,” she stated.
The May 3 spill drew criticism from community members and environmental advocates who say the recurring pollution incidents are threatening livelihoods and worsening ecological damage in the fragile Niger Delta region.
However, Oando says it remains committed to mitigating the environmental impact of its operations and fostering trust with host communities.
“We are working diligently to ensure our operations support the long-term environmental sustainability of the region. We remain fully committed to our host communities,” Balogun assured.
The statement comes as calls mount for oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to prioritize pipeline integrity, proactive maintenance, and swift remediation of spills to protect both communities and the environment.
