Oando blames oil spill in Bayelsa on sabotage, steps up cleanup efforts

Oando Plc has said that the oil spill on 27 June from its Azuzuama-1 flowline in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was due to suspected sabotage.

The company shared this information in a statement from its General Manager for Corporate Communications, Alero Balogun, which was sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Mrs Balogun explained that the spill happened along the four-inch Azuzuama-1 flowline near Azuzuama community.

She mentioned that Oando quickly activated its emergency response team to manage the spill, following their response protocols and regulatory rules.

The company collaborated with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, and members of the local community.

This teamwork helped them conduct a Joint Investigation Visit and also focus on containment, repair, and cleanup efforts.

Mrs Balogun reported that an Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement test on the damaged flowline section during the investigation showed signs of corrosion linked to outside interference, which is often called sabotage.

She added that regulatory authorities involved in the investigation confirmed these findings.

Repairs to the damaged part of the flowline were finished on 19 July after stakeholders regained access to the location.

Mrs Balogun noted that cleanup and remediation work is still ongoing, following environmental standards and regulatory requirements.

She reiterated Oando's commitment to safe operations, protecting the environment, and working closely with regulators and local communities. She also said the company aims to finish the cleanup activities on time while keeping its operations safe.