Resumption Of Exploration: Firm Verifies Oil, Gas Assets In Ogoniland

Ahead of the planned resumption of oil and gas exploration, the Nigeria Exploration Production Limited (NEPL), has carried out a Physical Asset Verification (PAV) exercise on two major oil and gas facilities in Ogoniland in Rivers State.

The facilities are the Kue Yamaabana Oil Field in Nyobe-Bangha Community and the Nyokuru Gas Well in Nyokuru Community, all in the Khana local government area of the state.

The PAV exercise, which was carried out by the firm’s technical team, marked a significant step in rebuilding trust, ensuring environmental responsibility, and laying the groundwork for sustainable hydrocarbon development in Ogoniland.

The NEPL technical team was accompanied on the visit by the president-general of the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF) and spokesman of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum (NDENYLF), Engr. Legborsi Yamaabana.

Speaking at the Kue Yamaabana Oil Field, the OYF president, who expressed serious concern over the deteriorating state of the facility, disclosed that crude oil has continued to intermittently ooze from the wellhead, leading to environmental pollution and the destruction of surrounding economic crops due to hydrocarbon contamination.

He warned that urgent remedial measures are necessary to prevent a recurrence of incidents similar to the recent blowout at the Yola Oil Field and specifically called on NEPL to immediately undertake critical civil works at the site, including securing and fencing the asset and constructing an access road to ensure proper monitoring, maintenance, and safety.

Yamaabana emphasised that proactive intervention would not only safeguard lives and the environment but also strengthen community confidence as the Federal Government advances plans to restore oil and gas activities in Ogoniland.

The Ogoni Youth leader, who commended the President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to reviving oil and gas operations in the region, also lauded the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu for diligently implementing the president’s directives to ensure a peaceful and structured engagement process.

He appreciated prominent Ogoni leaders, including Barrister Ledum Mitee, Chief Lenusikpughi Kpaghi, Prof. Don Baridam, among others, for their inclusive and sincere leadership throughout the ongoing dialogue process, noting that their efforts have ensured that the broader Ogoni community remains actively carried along.

The NEPL delegation had, earlier upon arrival, paid courtesy visits to the traditional rulers of the host communities including Chief John Micah Nwibiae of Nyobe-Bangha Community and Chief Jackson Abiikor of Nyokuru Community, where they received royal blessings and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between operators and host communities.