The spokesman for the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Mr. Michael Adande, has confirmed several explosions near the company’s gas processing plant in Gbarain, located in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to Adande, the incident happened at the Shell facility in Gbarain but stated that the cause of the explosions was yet to be determined.
He said: “We are actively monitoring reports of smoke detected near our Gbaran central processing facility in Bayelsa State.
“While the source appears to be external to our facility, we are in close communication with regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.”
The incident has raised concerns regarding potential disruptions to gas exports.
The explosions occurred on Tuesday on a pipeline that supplies the gas plant.
The source added that suspected vandals attacked the pipeline, leading to explosions and the release of thick smoke and gas emissions.
He said the plant operator was alerted and immediate action was taken to isolate the line and reduce pressure.
SaharaReporters had on Tuesday reported that the Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to ensure Shell was held to account for the pollution and human rights abuses related to oil spills in the Niger Delta area.
This followed reports that Nigeria’s oil industry regulator was prepared to offer fast-track sales approvals process for oil companies wanting to sell their businesses in the country.
