– No shoreline or communities have been impacted
Lagos — Nigeria’s maritime agency has said authorities are closely monitoring and working to contain an oil spill that occurred during loading operations at the TotalEnergies operated Egina field on November 15, according to Reuters.
“This is not a massive leak and the sheen has been treated with the appropriate response that resulted in a reduction of most of it. No shoreline or communities have been impacted,” Dr. Charles Ebereonwu disclosed in a reaction.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, said it is collaborating with the spill detention agency and the oil industry regulator to contain the spill, though the volume is not yet confirmed.
A statement by NIMASA spokesperson Osagie Edward said since the incident happened, its men have been working with other organs of government to ensure the pollution is effectively controlled and managed.
Oil spills have blighted Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger River delta region for decades, causing widespread environmental damage and negatively impacting the lives of millions of people in the local communities.
NIMASA said TotalEnergies is providing aerial surveillance and applying dispersant while considering further action to clean up the spill.
“Since the incident happened, our men have been liaising with other organs of government to ensure the pollution is effectively controlled and managed, to protect the marine environment and the communities close to the incident point,” NIMASA chief Bashir Jamoh said.
So far, a reconnaissance survey of neighbouring areas shows that coastal communities across Andoni, Qua-Iboe terminals, Bonny Island, Opobo/Nkoro and Eastern Obolo have not yet been impacted by the spill.
Oil majors operating in Nigeria, Africa’s top crude producer, have faced a string of litigation in the past over spills.
