The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has confirmed an oil spill at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny, Rivers State.
In a statement by NIMASA’s head of public relations, Osagie Edward, said the spill occurred on December 14 due to a ruptured pipeline at the terminal.
He continued that SPDC reportedly acted swiftly by shutting down the affected pipeline and deploying “containment booms” to limit the spill’s spread and protect nearby communities.
“Although the spill has reached the shoreline, NIMASA is actively monitoring the situation from an emergency operations centre,” Edward said.
He added that the agency is working with SPDC and other stakeholders to assess the extent of the damage and determine further actions.
Edward urged the public to remain calm, assuring them that efforts are underway to mitigate the impact and restore the affected areas.
This incident comes months after a similar oil spill occurred at an SPDC facility in the Imiringi community, Bayelsa State, on August 14.