The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) intensifies efforts to monitor and manage an oil spill at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny. The spill, caused by a ruptured pipeline, has already reached the shoreline, sparking fears of widespread ecological damage and threats to local livelihoods.
The incident prompted SPDC to shut down the affected pipeline immediately to prevent further leakage. To contain the situation, the company deployed containment booms to limit the spread of the oil and protect nearby communities from severe environmental hazards. However, despite these measures, the spill’s impact has extended to vulnerable areas, raising alarm about long-term consequences for the region’s ecosystem.
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NIMASA has activated its emergency operations center, working round the clock to assess the spill’s magnitude and implement effective response strategies. Collaborating with SPDC and other key stakeholders, the agency is leading efforts to coordinate cleanup operations and minimize the spill’s environmental and social repercussions.
In a statement, NIMASA reaffirmed its commitment to mitigating the impact of the disaster, assuring the public that every measure would be taken to safeguard the environment and support affected communities.
This incident raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent future disasters. As monitoring continues, residents of Bonny and surrounding areas are calling for swift action to restore their environment and protect their livelihoods from further harm.
