•Oil spill
Oando Plc has disclosed that it has recorded four operational oil spill incidents between October 2024 and the present date.
The company also confirmed the completion of repair works on oil spill incidents that occurred along the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Exploration and Production Ltd (NNPC E&P)/Oando pipeline in Bayelsa State, Nigeria’s key oil-producing region.
The oil firm made these disclosures in a statement released yesterday by its General Manager for Human Resources & Business Support, Alero Balogun, following a reported oil spill incident on May 3, 2025, in the vicinity of Oando’s Ogboinbiri flow station, located in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) swamps of Bayelsa State.
The flow station feeds crude oil to Oando’s export terminal situated in Brass, also in Bayelsa State.
Balogun stated that Oando has successfully concluded repair works on the ruptured sections of the affected pipelines. Furthermore, the company is currently undertaking a sectional replacement of parts of the pipeline that were identified as dilapidated, aiming to prevent future occurrences.
“Oando Plc announces the successful completion of repairs to its pipeline following oil spill incidents along the NEPL/Oando pipeline, which affected the Ogboinbiri Community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State,” Balogun said in the statement.
“Between October 2024 to date, four operational spills occurred. Upon identification of each incident, we swiftly activated emergency response protocols in line with company policy, including the immediate shut-in of the affected wells and cessation of crude oil delivery through the pipeline.”
Balogun further detailed the company’s immediate actions following each spill: “Simultaneously, we deployed containment materials to prevent further spread of the oil and promptly initiated recovery efforts.”
In adherence to regulatory requirements, Oando conducted Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs) involving all relevant stakeholders. These included representatives from government regulatory agencies and the affected Ogboinbiri community, ensuring transparency and collaborative assessment of the incidents.
“We are pleased to report that the repairs of the affected sections of the pipeline have been completed. To further mitigate the risk of future incidents, we are implementing a sectional replacement of the pipeline,” Balogun affirmed.
She concluded by reiterating Oando’s commitment to its operational areas and environmental responsibility: “Oando remains fully committed to its host communities and is working diligently to ensure that its operations support the long-term environmental sustainability of the region.”
Oando’s disclosure of multiple oil spill incidents underscores the ongoing challenges associated with oil pipeline infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. The company’s swift response in activating emergency protocols and completing repairs is a positive step.
However, the implementation of sectional pipeline replacements indicates a recognition of the need for more proactive measures to prevent future spills.
Oando’s commitment to its host communities and environmental sustainability will be closely monitored by stakeholders, particularly in light of its recent significant acquisition and expanded operational footprint.
