25 August 2015, Sweetcrude, Lagos – Total Exploration and Production Nigeria has disclosed that the Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, team which visited the oil spill reported at Kilometer 25 and 27 locations on the Obagi – Rumuekpe oil export pipeline recorded that the incident was due to third party sabotage.
The company disclosed that the Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, was carried out in accordance with the extant regulations, at the oil spill locations, with relevant regulatory agencies (DPR, NOSDRA, Rivers State Ministry of Environment).
Total mobilized intervention teams to clamp the leaks on the pipeline. Relevant agencies and service providers were also mobilized and have deployed containment booms to contain the spill and prevent further spread.
TEPNG is committed to preventing further spread of the spill and to restore the environment. Total will continue to work with the relevant government authorities and communities, to ensure that this is achieved.
A statement released by Charles Ogan disclosed that further updates shall be provided in due course.
Total E&P Nigeria operates OML 58 with a 40% interest, alongside the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (60%).