Again, Crude Oil Spillage Recorded In Rivers Community

Less than two weeks after crude oil spillage was recorded at Oshika Community in Ahoada West local government area of Rivers State, a similar incident has occured in neighbouring Ikata Community.

The spillage was noticed in the early hours of Monday, May 19 2025, on a pipeline right of way operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

Renaissance Africa is the new operators of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited’s divested facilities.

Confirming the incident, the Executive Director, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface said the spillage might have been caused by third party interference.

Fyneface said, “The volunteers reported the latest crude oil spill to the Advocacy Centre and they are alleging that the spillage is caused by third-party interference, pending confirmation by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) through a comprehensive joint investigation team’s visit to the spill site in Oshika community.”

The Centre called on NOSDRA to carry out a timely joint investigation visit to the site and invoke relevant sections of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, to hold those responsible accountable.

It further urged the agency to ensure that the operator clamps the spill point to mitigate the impact of the crude oil spill on the flora and fauna in the affected area.