The Trans Niger Pipeline resumed operations after a Monday fire incident linked to unauthorized access. Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings confirmed no explosions occurred, and integrity tests passed. The pipeline, transporting 450,000 barrels daily, is critical, with recent events prompting a state of emergency in Rivers State. Safety measures were enacted, and two arrests were made for investigation.
Operations at the Trans Niger Pipeline, situated in Bodo Community of Gokana Local Government Area in Rivers State, have resumed following a fire incident on Monday night. A spokesman for Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings confirmed the pipeline underwent integrity testing and reported that no explosions occurred during the incident, attributing the disruption to unauthorized entry at the operations site.
The company’s spokesperson indicated that following a notification of unauthorized access, a team conducted an inspection which revealed attempts at excavation and potential arson. Fortunately, the fire had already been extinguished, allowing the adjacent pipeline to undergo testing, which passed successfully. Consequently, operations have resumed through this alternative route, and the spokesman confirmed that activities are ongoing.
The Trans Niger Pipeline has a capacity to transport 450,000 barrels of crude oil daily to the Bonny Export Terminal through an interconnected pipeline network. This incident occurred shortly after Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings finalized a significant acquisition deal with Shell for the entirety of its equity stake in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.
Reports of an explosion on the pipeline led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, affirmed that the fire was detected during a security patrol on Monday night, prompting immediate notification to Renaissance, which shut down the affected pipeline and implemented safety protocols.
Ms. Iringe-Koko assured that there is no ongoing risk to local residents or the environment, while two individuals were apprehended for questioning related to the incident as part of the investigation.
In summary, the Trans Niger Pipeline has resumed operations after a fire incident attributed to unauthorized entry and potential arson. No injuries were reported, and the integrity of the pipeline was confirmed through testing. This event influenced the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Safety measures have been activated, ensuring no further risk to the public or environment, while authorities continue to investigate the cause of the incident.
Original Source: punchng.com
