The Trans Niger Pipeline in Rivers State resumed operations after a fire incident on Monday. No blasts were reported, and integrity tests confirmed the pipeline’s safety. Two individuals were arrested, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the unauthorized entry and fire.
Operations at the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo Community, Rivers State, have resumed following a fire incident reported on Monday night. A spokesman for Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings stated that the pipeline passed integrity tests, confirming that no explosions occurred. “The pipeline is back in operation. First of all, we had no blasts or explosions in our facilities,” the spokesman explained, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the event.
The incident involved unauthorized access to the pipeline, where attempts at excavation and arson were observed. The fire subsequently extinguished itself, allowing inspection teams to verify the safety of the adjacent pipeline, enabling the restoration of operations. The TNP is critical for transporting 450,000 barrels of crude oil daily to the Bonny Export Terminal.
Renaissance Africa recently finalized a significant transaction with Shell, acquiring the complete equity stake in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. This incident, along with initial reports of an explosion, contributed to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Grace Iringe-Koko, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the fire was detected during a security patrol and that immediate safety protocols were initiated upon notification to Renaissance.
In conclusion, operations at the Trans Niger Pipeline have resumed after thorough safety inspections post-fire. The swift response from Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings and law enforcement highlights the importance of safety measures in oil transport operations. Ongoing investigations will seek to identify the causes behind the unauthorized access and subsequent fire, ensuring accountability while maintaining pipeline integrity.
Original Source: punchng.com
