Following a fire incident, the Trans Niger Pipeline in Rivers State has resumed operations after thorough safety inspections confirmed no explosions occurred. The unauthorized entry led to investigations and the arrest of two suspects, with the pipeline playing a critical role in transporting crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal.
Operations at the Trans Niger Pipeline, located in the Bodo Community of Gokana Local Government Area in Rivers State and owned by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings, have resumed following a fire incident that occurred on a Monday night. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that the pipeline was tested and passed integrity checks, emphasizing that no explosions occurred during the incident.
According to the company representative, the interruption was due to unauthorized access to the operations area, which led to attempts at excavation and arson. A team was dispatched to assess the situation, which revealed that the fire had extinguished itself, and subsequent inspections confirmed the safety of an adjacent pipeline. The Trans Niger Pipeline plays a crucial role by transporting 450,000 barrels of crude oil daily to the Bonny Export Terminal.
Recently, Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings concluded a significant acquisition deal with Shell, obtaining full equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. The fire incident caused alarm, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, with reports of an explosion contributing to the response.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, reported that the fire was detected during a routine security patrol on Monday night, leading to the immediate notification of Renaissance Africa. The company promptly shut down the pipeline and enforced safety precautions. No further threats to residents or the environment have been noted, although two suspects have been apprehended for questioning related to the investigation of the incident.
In summary, operations at the Trans Niger Pipeline have resumed safely after a fire incident due to unauthorized access. Checks confirmed no damage or explosions, and investigations are underway with some arrests made. This incident highlights the pipeline’s critical role in oil transportation and the regulatory responses by local authorities following security concerns.
Original Source: punchng.com
