Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Fresh oil spills from an Oando-operated pipeline have hit Akinima community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, triggering renewed environmental concerns in the Niger Delta and calls for urgent regulatory intervention.
The spill, which reportedly occurred on Monday, was detected by youth volunteers operating under the Crude Oil Spill Alert System, COSAS, of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria.
The leaking facility formally operated by Italian Eni’s subsidiary, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, NAOC, is part of the assets acquired by Oando Plc in 2023 for $783million.
According to the group, the incident involves two leaking points on a 6-inch pipeline belonging to Oando, with crude oil still flowing at the time of reporting as the affected section had yet to be clamped.
“We received a distressing report from youths under the auspices of our Crude Oil Spill Alert System in Akinima about a fresh oil spillage from an Oando pipeline,” YEAC-Nigeria said in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface.
Describing the development as another reminder of persistent oil pollution in the Niger Delta, the group said the continuous discharge of crude poses serious risks to the environment and the livelihoods of host communities.
“The spillage is still flowing, and the affected area is yet to be clamped. This is a stark reminder of the recurring oil spillage issues plaguing our environment and communities,” Fyneface said.
YEAC-Nigeria condemned the fresh oil spills from Oando facility, stressing that immediate action is required from both the operator and regulators to limit environmental damage.
“We urge the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, and Oando, the facility operator, to take immediate action to contain the spill and prevent further damage to the ecosystem,” the statement said.
The advocacy group warned that repeated spills in the area threaten public health, farmlands, and water bodies relied upon by residents for survival.
“The continuous oil spillage in our region is not only detrimental to the fragile environment but also poses a significant threat to the health and livelihood of local communities,” Fyneface added.
YEAC-Nigeria specifically called on Oando and relevant regulatory agencies to immediately carry out a joint investigation visit, JIV, to the spill site, clamp the pipeline to halt further discharge, and thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, 2021.
The group also urged authorities to apply appropriate sanctions where necessary and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the rights of the affected community, while the perpetrators should be brought to book if the JIV report confirms third-party interference,” the statement said.
