The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says an oil spill incident occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny, Rivers.
In a statement on Sunday, Osagie Edward, NIMASA’s head of public relations, said the spill, which happened on December 14, resulted from a ruptured pipeline at the terminal.
Edward disclosed that the SPDC responded promptly by shutting down the affected pipeline and deploying “containment booms” to protect the neighbouring communities.
“Although the spill has reached the shoreline, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is actively monitoring the situation from an emergency operations centre,” he added.
“The agency is collaborating with SPDC and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the spill and determine necessary follow-up actions.”
Edward urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the agency is committed to mitigating the spill’s impact and restoring affected areas.
On August 14, an oil spill occurred on an SPDC facility in the Imiringi community, Bayelsa state.