
Yenagoa — Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operator of the NNPC/Aiteo Joint Venture on OML 29, has confirmed an oil leak at its Nembe swamp facility in Bayelsa State.
The leak was detected on Monday, June 17, 2024, during routine operations, prompting an immediate shutdown of production from OML 29 as a precautionary measure.
AEEPCO’s Oil Spill and Emergency Response Team has been activated to contain the spill, and a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) with stakeholders has been initiated to determine the cause of the incident.
The company has notified its joint venture partners and regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
According to AEEPCO’s Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo, “Our current priority is to expedite an efficient spill management process in line with regulatory standards and collaborate with all stakeholders to restore production and mitigate associated risks.” While the cause of the spill is currently undetermined, AEEPCO is proactively engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the immediate effects.
The shutdown of production from OML 29 is expected to result in significant losses to the Joint Venture and the nation, and the potential environmental impact is a concern. However, AEEPCO’s swift response and commitment to regulatory standards aim to minimize the effects and ensure a swift restoration of production.