The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has announced the shutdown of crude oil feeds into the 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek crude trunkline following an oil spill in Obololi, a coastal community along the Nun River in Bayelsa State.

The spill, which occurred on February 16 and was reported the following day, has raised environmental concerns and prompted emergency response efforts.

Immediate Shutdown and Response

In response to the incident, SPDC’s Oil Spill Response Team quickly identified the leak and isolated the affected section of the pipeline, halting crude oil flow. The company confirmed that remediation efforts were already underway to contain the spill and mitigate environmental damage.

According to SPDC spokesman, Michael Adande, the company has:

• Suspended production into the affected pipeline.
• Notified regulatory authorities and key stakeholders about the incident.
• Initiated a regulator-led Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause and impact of the spill.

“The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), operator of the SPDC Joint Venture (SPDC JV), confirms that its Oil Spill Response Team has identified a leak from one of the SPDC JV assets located in the Obololi community, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State,” Adande stated.

He assured that the company was working with regulatory agencies to address the situation and implement necessary corrective measures.

Environmental and Community Impact

Although Shell has not disclosed the volume of oil discharged or production losses, the 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek crude trunkline plays a crucial role in transporting crude from multiple oil fields in Bayelsa’s swamp areas to the Kolo manifold.

Given that the pipeline runs beneath the river, the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has indicated that determining the cause of the leak and estimating the volume of spilled oil remains challenging.

Chukuwemka Woke, Director-General of NOSDRA, stated that officials have proposed a temporary dam diversion of the Nun River to facilitate access to the leak site. This measure will allow investigators to properly examine the pipeline and assess the extent of contamination.

In light of the spill, Chief Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, visited the affected Obololi community and pledged to provide an alternative water source for residents impacted by the contamination.

Regulatory Oversight and Next Steps

As efforts to contain the spread of crude oil continue, stakeholders—including Shell, regulatory bodies, and the Bayelsa State Government—are working towards a comprehensive assessment and remediation plan.

The Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), which will be led by regulators, aims to establish:

• The cause of the spill (whether due to pipeline failure, corrosion, or sabotage).
• The volume of oil released into the environment.
• The extent of environmental and economic damage to local communities.

This latest spill underscores the recurring environmental risks associated with oil operations in the Niger Delta, where pipeline leaks, oil theft, and spills frequently disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods.

As the investigation progresses, affected communities are calling for swift cleanup efforts, compensation for damages, and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to prevent future occurrences.