Third party breaches responsible for 90% of accidents, spills in N’Delta—Shell, Chevron
Just as Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operators’ of NNPC/CNL Joint ventures, recently revealed the recent inferno in its oil flow stations in Ugborodo were traced to third party violence, latest Briefing Notes released by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has further confirmed CNL position.
The SPDC Notes averred that “Security remains a high priority due to continued crude oil theft and criminality in parts of the Niger Delta. Illegal refining and third-party interference are the main sources of pollution in the Niger Delta today.
“Third party interference caused close to 90% of the number of spills of more than 100 kilograms from The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited operated Joint Venture (SPDC JV) pipelines in 2018.
Continuing, the Notes added that “Security in parts of the Niger Delta remains a major concern with persisting incidents of criminality, kidnapping and sabotage as well as onshore and offshore piracy. Although there has been no damage to key oil and gas infrastructure caused by militant activity since November 2016, the security situation remains volatile in this region of the country”.
Recall that since recently, the operating International Oil Companies (IOCs) have raised alarm over rising vandalism, oil theft in Niger Delta
SPDC, the highest producer with over 600,000 barrels per day, bpd, had suffered about 39 cases of vandalism and oil theft between January – April, 2019.
Further breakdown showed that 12, 15, eight and four incidents were recorded in January, February, March and April 2019 respectively.
