The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has expressed grave concern over a leaking well-head owned by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) at Bukuma, located in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a statement released on the 19th of January, 2025, NOSDRA’s Director General, Chukwuemeka Woke, shared insights from a facility tour undertaken to assess the magnitude of the spill.
The agency issued a strong call for the immediate repair of the damaged well-head to avert further environmental catastrophe.
Recall that the incident, first reported on the 1st of January, 2025, involved a gas leak from the OML Well 8, managed by NNPCL.
According to local security sources, the spill may have been triggered by suspected pipeline vandals attempting to tap into the well-head illegally.
Alarmed residents of Bukuma raised the alarm over the gas leak, which escalated into a devastating inferno, causing significant harm to their environment.
During his visit, the Director General highlighted that NOSDRA was working closely with key stakeholders and the operator to extinguish the fire and minimize the impact on the affected community.
He also revealed plans to provide relief materials to the residents, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance.
“On January 12, NOSDRA received reports of a fire outbreak at the well-head, which was attributed to excessive gas release,” Woke stated.
He added, “We are actively coordinating with relevant stakeholders and the operator to extinguish the fire and mitigate its effects on the community.”
Woke further disclosed that the agency would analyze the data gathered during the tour and collaborate with stakeholders to bring the situation under control.
He reaffirmed NOSDRA’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare of impacted communities and called on NNPCL to implement continuous surveillance of its operational areas to prevent future disasters.