NNPC, Others Investigates Rivers Oil Facility Fire 

According to a statement by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Olufemi Soneye, the fire was successfully contained.

It was also disclosed that the incident did not affect the operations of the flow station in the area.

“Thanks to the swift response of our emergency teams and industry partners, the fire was successfully contained. The incident did not impact flow station operations,” he said.

According to Mr Soneye, no lives were lost in the incident.

The state oil company also assured the public of its commitment to safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity.

“Most importantly, there were no casualties, and all personnel are safe. NNPC Ltd. prioritises safety and remains fully committed to environmental protection and operational integrity,” the statement stated.

The fire, which broke out at around 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday (February 19) and began on the BESTAF5 barge and spread to other barges in the area.

The Cawthorne Channel is a major hub for oil and gas facilities, situated near the boundary between Bonny and Degema Local Government Areas in Rivers State.

In videos seen by Business Post, filmed by community members aboard an outboard-powered speedboat, flames can be seen engulfing the flow stations.

The incident occurred about 30 nautical miles off the Bonny coastline, in an area densely populated with oil and gas installations.

Operatives of the NNPC were also seen in the footage, arriving with military gunboat escorts, suggesting that the affected flow stations may be linked to the national oil company.

The incident raises concerns about safety measures in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, as well as the environmental and economic implications of such disasters in the Niger Delta.