By NATHAN NWAKAMMA

Nigeria’s gas export has dipped following three sabotage attacks on a major pipeline in Bayelsa which feeds the Nigeria Liquid Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny, Rivers.

The Ogboinbiri-Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa was blown up on three spots on April 3.

Oando PLC, operators of the facility confirmed on Friday that the breached pipeline has been shut down to avert further pollution and to pave way for investigation.

The confirmation is contained in a statement issued by Idongesit Edet, Assistant Manager, Public Relations and Internal Communications at Oando PLC.

“Oando PLC confirms three separate attacks on its pipelines over the past week.

“In line with best practices, the company immediately activated its emergency response plans and commenced containment efforts at the affected sites to minimize environmental impact.

“The company also immediately deployed its leak repair teams to the affected sites and is working closely with relevant authorities to promptly carry out a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV),” Edet stated.

JIV is a statutory probe into every reported oil/gas leak incident by regulators, operator and host community to ascertain the cause of leak, volume of leak and impacted areas.

According to Oando, the assessment by the joint investigation team will help determine the extent as well as the root cause of the sabotage, which will enable the company to implement lasting solutions.

“Following the JIV, Oando will initiate full scale repairs on the affected pipelines towards ensuring operations resume as quickly as possible, whilst prioritizing the safety of people, the protection of the environment, and well-being of the communities.

“The company is committed to providing further updates as more information becomes available,” Oando stated. (NAN)