Mkpoikana Udoma


Port Harcourt —

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, which now operates facilities previously managed by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has verified an oil leak from its 14-inch Okordia–Rumuekpe pipeline located in Ikata within the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The firm stated that they have halted production in the section of the pipeline involved to control the leak and minimize ecological harm.

“We have taken immediate steps to isolate and discontinue production into the pipeline to minimise any potential environmental impact,” said Mr. Michael Adande, spokesperson for Renaissance Africa Energy, in an official statement issued Tuesday.

Adande also disclosed that relevant regulatory authorities have been notified of the incident and that the company is working closely with them to launch a statutory Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, to determine the cause and extent of the spill.

“Government regulators have been informed, and we are actively coordinating the statutory joint investigation visit, which will include their representatives and those from the local community,” he added.

The oil spill occurred merely months following Renaissance’s completion of a $2.4 billion purchase of Shell’s onshore oil and gas properties in Nigeria. There were strong hopes for enhanced asset reliability and better operational effectiveness under the new leadership.

Community groups, including the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, had earlier raised the alarm about the spill, calling for swift action from the operator to mitigate environmental degradation.

As anticipation builds for the outcome of the JIV, environmental advocates and local leaders have called for transparency and immediate remediation.