The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has announced the successful stoppage of spewing of oil and gas into the Santa Barbara River at Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State.
The Well operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPC) has been ‘killed’ through the professional deployment of appropriate technology and effective collaboration with all stakeholders by the Commission.
Confirming the stoppage of the spill in a statement, yesterday, the Commission also expressed pride in “the efforts of all stakeholders which ensured that there was no associated fire or fatality during the period of the spill.”
In line with global best practice, the Commission will continue to monitor the containment of the spill at the site while Clean Nigeria Associate (CNA) will remain active to conclude ongoing clean-up efforts.
The statement further reads: “In line with global best practice, the Commission will continue to monitor the containment of the spill at the site while Clean Nigeria Associate (CNA) will remain active to conclude ongoing clean-up efforts.
“As the Upstream regulator, the Commission will provide necessary oversight in the response planning by Aiteo and carry out statutory Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) once the Well kill equipment has been demobilised from site.
“In furtherance of the Commission’s incident management plans, Post Impact Assessment (PIA) studies will commence under the strict supervision of the Commission with an approved scope as soon as the clean-up is concluded, to ensure adequate restoration of the impacted environment.
“The Commission wishes to appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the affected communities during the period of the spill.”
The spill had continued unabated for over 6 weeks as Aiteo struggled to contain the flow, with attendant huge environment damages and loss of livelihoods of the inhabitants.
