By Xtian Itoto-Ogodo

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has launched an investigation into a crude oil spill from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) 16″ Nun River-Kolo creek pipeline at Obololi community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State. The Agency received a report on Monday, February 17, 2025, and immediately convened a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the incident area on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

In a statement, the Director General/Chief Executive of NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, said the investigation team comprised relevant stakeholders including SPDC, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, and the Community. The team was established to determine the indices around the incident and recommend necessary regulatory compliance actions to mitigate it. Woke noted that the cause of the spill is unknown because the suspected leak point/pipeline is submerged in the water, implying that the JIV is inconclusive.

SPDC is currently preparing a coffer dam to enable the team to access the spill point. Containment of the spill area has been completed, and temporary storage tanks are in transit to the spill location. Recovery of free phase oil is expected to commence on Friday, February 21, 2025. Woke stated that the Agency is actively monitoring the ongoing response and continuously evaluating the situation to ensure that appropriate response actions are deployed accordingly.

The Agency will provide further details as events unfold, Woke added. Chukwuemeka Woke emphasized that NOSDRA is committed to ensuring that the oil spill is effectively managed and mitigated.