Oil Spillage: Shell Halts Production in Bayelsa as NOSDRA Intervenes

• Shell halted production at its Obololi facility due to an oil leak polluting rivers and affecting aquatic life

• NOSDRA signed an MOU with F1 Consulting to enhance spill detection and response cooperation with oil companies

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has stopped production at its facility in Obololi community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, due to an oil leak polluting rivers and affecting aquatic life.

SPDC spokesperson, Mr. Michael Adande, confirmed the incident in a statement. He stated that after detecting the leak, the SPDC Joint Venture (SPDC JV) immediately shut down the affected line and suspended production.

Reports indicate that the spill, caused by a rupture in an underwater pipeline laid in 1973, began last Sunday and was still ongoing at the time of reporting.

Deputy paramount ruler of Obololi community, Wilfred Kueke, expressed concern over the environmental damage. He noted that the only water source for drinking, cooking, and washing has been heavily contaminated.

Meanwhile, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has taken steps to address oil spills and environmental pollution by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with F1 Consulting.

The agreement, signed at NOSDRA’s headquarters in Abuja, aims to enhance cooperation between the agency, oil companies, and host communities for faster spill detection and response.

At the signing, NOSDRA Director-General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fully implementing the MOU’s provisions.

“We are committed to implementing 100 percent of this MOU and expect our partners to do the same,” he stated.

He also urged oil companies and other stakeholders to collaborate with NOSDRA in addressing oil spills effectively.