Shell confirms oil spill in Rivers community

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited has confirmed a spill on its Trans Niger Pipeline in Elelenwo, located in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The company reported that the spill, caused by a pipeline leak, has been contained and repairs have been completed.

Earlier this week, residents of Rumuoduwere in Elelenwo expressed concern about the spill, which they claimed had devastated their farmlands and contaminated underground water. Martin Enwuka, a local opinion leader, noted that some residents had fled the area due to the spill and urged Shell to take swift action to facilitate their return.

In response, SPDC’s Media Relations Manager, Gladys Afam-Anadu, stated that production was halted as a precautionary measure to allow for repairs.
She added that the company’s oil spill response team conducted an inspection and containment operations upon receiving the report. Following a Joint Investigation Visit, repairs were completed, and the pipeline is now operational. Afam-Anadu assured that discussions with the community would continue to address the spill’s impact.

The statement reads, “Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) received a report on August 21st about a leak on the 28-inch Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) at the Elelenwo manifold. Production was immediately halted, and our Oil Spill Response team was sent for inspection and recovery operations.

The pipeline has been repaired and is back in operation. We will continue discussions with the community in the coming weeks regarding the spill’s effects.”