Shell begins repairs on TNP’s illegal tapping point in Rivers

Repair works have begun on the illegal tapping point discovered on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Nonwa-Uedume community in Tai, Rivers State, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited has said.

Recall that a 2km illegal pipeline said to have been operated on Shell’s TNP for over seven years with capacity to load two tankers of 33,000 litres of crude oil per night, was yesterday discovered in Nonwa-resume, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The discovery was made by a team led by the Chairman of Tai LGA, Mr. Mbakpone Okpe, together with security operatives including personnel of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and Tai local security task force, as well as NNPCL’s contractors, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited.

Reacting on the development, the Media Relations Manager, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Abimbola Essien-Nelson, charged members of the public to report any illegal activities around SPDC joint venture oil installations to the company or relevant government agencies.

Essien-Nelson who confirmed reports of a leak on the illegal tapping point, said a Joint Investigation Team has inspected the scene and the company was awaiting the JIV report.

“The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) confirms receiving report of a leak from an illegal connection point on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) at Nonwa-Uedume Community in Rivers State.

“A Joint Investigation Team, led by industry regulator, immediately went to visit the illegal connection site for investigation and we are awaiting the signed-off report of the JIV.

“The illegal connection point on the SPDC joint venture pipeline is also undergoing repairs.

“Meanwhile, SPDC seeks the support of stakeholders including community people to report any illegal activities around SPDC joint venture oil installations to SPDC or relevant government agencies.”