Oil leak: Aiteo shuts OML 29 field in Nembe, Bayelsa
From Chris Eze, Yenagoa
Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operator of the NNPC / Aiteo Joint Venture on OML 29, says it has detected an oil leak at its Nembe swamp facility in OML 29, Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State.
A statement signed Wednesday by the spokesman of the company; Ndiana Matthew said the leak was reported on Monday, June 17, 2024, during routine operations.
“AEEPCO’s Oil Spill and Emergency Response Team was immediately activated and all production from OML 29 shutdown. This is a precautionary measure while mobilizing additional resources to contain the spill.
“The cause of the spill is currently undetermined. However, we are proactively engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the immediate effects”, the spokesman explained.
The statement quoted the Group Managing Director of the oil firm, Victor Okoronkwo while reacting to the leak as saying, “During our operations on Monday, June 17, 2024, the subject leak was detected. A Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) with stakeholders has been initiated to determine the cause of this incident.
“While we regret the production losses to the Joint Venture and the nation and the potential environmental impact, our current priority is to expedite an efficient spill management process in line with regulatory standards and collaborate with all stakeholders to restore production and mitigate associated risks.”
“Our joint venture partners and the relevant regulators; The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have been notified of the incident”, the GMD stated.
