An oil spill occurred on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny, Rivers State. The incident, caused by a ruptured pipeline, has prompted swift containment measures by SPDC to minimize environmental impact.

Following the rupture, SPDC shut down the affected pipeline and deployed containment booms to safeguard nearby communities from further exposure. Despite these efforts, reports indicate that the spill has reached the shoreline, raising concerns about its environmental and socio-economic implications.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is closely monitoring the situation through an emergency operations center. The agency, in collaboration with SPDC and other stakeholders, is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the spill’s extent to determine the necessary response and restoration actions.

In a statement, NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR, reassured the public of the agency’s commitment to mitigating the spill’s impact. He urged residents to remain calm as efforts are underway to restore affected areas and address any potential threats to the environment and local communities.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of pipeline safety in the oil and gas sector and highlights the importance of prompt intervention to protect fragile ecosystems. Further updates are expected as assessments continue and containment efforts progress.