Oil Spill: Shell Spills 5 Barrels of Oil in Bodo Community Rivers State

One of the world’s leading energy companies, Shell has spilled five barrels of crude oil from its Trans Nigeria Pipeline (TNP) into the Bodo community in Gokana Rivers state.

The oil spillage was reported by Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) approved by the host community, Rivers state Ministry of Environment, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

JIV is an organisation that investigates oil spills, pipeline leakages, causes and their impact on the community.

Shell’s Trans Nigeria Pipeline spilled about 98% of water and 2% of crude oil into the Bodo community due to the ongoing flushing of the TNP with 5 barrels of leftover crude oil.

The spokesperson for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SDPC), Michael Adande, however, explained that the effect of the oil spill on the community was minimal since the TNP has not transported crude oil since June 2022.

According to him, the JIV will release an up-to-date report on the situation. 

Micheal said, “The spill from the Bomu-Bonny section of the Shell petroleum development company JV’s TNP in Bodo community, in the local government area of Gokana, Rivers State was largely water (98 per cent) from the ongoing flushing of the TNP, with the leftover crude oil of about five barrels as established and signed by the JIV led by regulators and involving representatives of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and the community.

“Owing to the high level of theft, Shell petroleum Development Council has not processed crude oil through the TNP since mid-June 2022.

“Cleanup of the affected area and repair work on the pipeline are underway.”