A gas explosion occurred at Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, resulting in injuries and damage to homes and businesses. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has partnered with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), security agencies, and local emergency officials to coordinate relief and assess the environmental and structural damage. The company has activated emergency containment protocols and shut off and isolated the affected pipeline segment to prevent further leakage or escalation.
The NNPC Limited has engaged with the host community leadership to understand immediate needs and coordinate appropriate support for those affected. According to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the company is deeply concerned by reports of injuries and damage, and their thoughts are with those affected and their families. The company prioritizes protecting lives and preventing further harm. The cause of the incident and the full extent of its impact are currently being assessed.
An expert who spoke with The Tide under anonymity attributed the explosion to an obsolete pipeline, citing that the pipe carrying gas is rusty and ruptured. The expert explained that the pressure of the gas was too high for the pipe to handle, leading to the burst. The expert called on the NGIC to repair its obsolete pipes and facilities to avoid further occurrences. A cross-section of residents also called on the company to take responsibility for the damage caused by the explosion.
The explosion occurred on a pipeline operated by NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), resulting in injuries to residents and damage to several residential and commercial properties. The NNPC Limited has urged residents and members of the public to keep clear of the affected area and follow safety instructions from emergency responders and relevant authorities. The company will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to establish the facts and determine appropriate corrective measures.
The incident has resulted in significant damage to properties, with some roofs blown off and others severely dented. Residents have expressed concerns about the economic impact of the explosion, calling on the NGIC to respond to their needs. The company has assured that it will provide support to those affected. Further assessment of the incident is ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Oilserv Group, Emeka Okwuosa, has emphasized the importance of reliable energy security for digital inclusion and industrialization in Nigeria. He advocated for increased investment to address Nigeria's energy challenges, citing that replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy alone is not a practical solution. Okwuosa made the remark during his paper presentation at the 22nd International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunication.
Okwuosa explained that Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan provides a clear framework for achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, focusing on five priority sectors: power, cooking, oil and gas, transport, and industry. He stated that the plan recognizes the importance of energy transition not being mistaken for energy abandonment. Nigeria's oil and gas industry can deploy digital technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and asset performance.
Key points
- The NNPC Limited has partnered with relevant authorities to mitigate the impact of the gas explosion in Rivers State.
- An expert attributes the explosion to an obsolete pipeline, calling for repairs to prevent further occurrences.
- Residents have called on the NGIC to take responsibility for the damage caused by the explosion.
