Nigeria’s crude oil output and income have suffered a significant setback as a result of Tuesday’s explosions in Rivers communities at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni and Trans Niger Pipeline operated by Shell in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Areas in Rivers State.
The Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which has a daily capacity of about 450,000 barrels, is a significant oil route that carries petroleum from onshore oilfields to the Bonny export terminal, while the pipeline manifold delivers crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.
According to information obtained on Tuesday, the pipelines have been temporarily closed as a result of the two explosions that occurred on that day.
Additionally, the Trans Niger Pipeline has caused difficulties in gas supplies for Nigeria’s gas-dependent power facilities, such as Geometric Power Aba.
Without a question, the explosions’ detrimental effects on the already struggling national economy are extensive.
Despite the lack of official conclusions, reports had fingered the disagreement between Governor Simi Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as the reason for the explosions.
The explosions occurred just one week after the Ijaw National Congress (INC) promised to stop exploring for crude oil in the Delta region of Nigeria if Fubara was impeached.
The event also occurred shortly after Fubara and his deputy were handed a letter by pro-Wike MPs led by their speaker, Martins Amaewhule, detailing serious wrongdoing they said the governor had done.
The Nigerian oil consortium Renaissance Group, which now owns Shell Nigeria, has launched an investigation into the incident at the Trans Niger Pipeline, according to Tony Okonedo, spokesperson for the company.
Reports of an incident in Renaissance’s eastern operations are being addressed. A joint investigation visit conducted by a regulator is a component of that reaction, Okonedo stated.
Two people have been taken into custody in relation to the explosives, according to a previous announcement from the Rivers State Police Command.
The interruptions occurred at a time when Nigeria is struggling to reach its revenue baseline and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) quota for crude oil production.
Nigeria’s revenue stream may face significant difficulties as a result of the temporary suspension of oil output at the impacted pipeline.
In the meantime, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing the ongoing turmoil and the threat to oil pipelines.
Additionally, he imposed a six-month suspension on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was named Rivers State’s administrator by President Tinubu.