DG/CEO, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA has said it is actively monitoring the Saturday oil spill at Shell Petroleum Development Company SPDC loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny, Rivers State from its emergency operations centre in Lagos.

According to a statement by its head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward on Sunday, the apex maritime regulatory agency has also assured that it is collaborating with the SPDC and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the spill and determine necessary follow-up actions.

It was however gathered that the spill was due to a ruptured pipeline, which the SPDC has promptly shut down and has deployed measures to contain its effects on the neighbouring communities.

The agency further enjoined members of the public to remain calm as it engages with other relevant authorities and stakeholders with a view to mitigating the effects of the spill.

The statement reads in part: “On Saturday, December 14, 2024, an oil spill occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company SPDC loading terminal, SMI, in Bonny, Rivers State.

“The incident resulted from a ruptured pipeline. SPDC has promptly shut down the affected pipeline and deployed containment booms to protect the neighboring communities.

“Although the spill has reached the shoreline, NIMASA is actively monitoring the situation from an emergency operations centre. The agency is also collaborating with the SPDC and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the spill and determine necessary follow-up actions.

“Members of the public are advised to remain calm as NIMASA is committed to mitigating the impact of the spill and restore affected areas.”