Another faulty well operated by a local Nigerian firm, Eroton Exploration and Production Limited, has been reported spilling oil and gas in the Niger Delta for over one week.
The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency confirmed the spillage yesterday, adding that a report on the spillage was made by Eroton to the authorities over a week ago.
Head of NOSDRA, Mr. Idris Musa who confirmed the spill, told Reuters that the spillage was caused by a leak from a wellhead.
Eroton is an upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production company, Eroton E&P, which engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas.
It will be recalled that in February 2014 the Eroton consortium won a competitive bid for the 30% interest of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, 10% interest of Total E&P Nigeria Limited and 5% interest of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited for a total of 45% interest in OML 18 IN Nembe. The deal was concluded in October 2014.
Last year, a nearby well run by Aiteo Eastern E&P spilled oil for more than a month, polluting the Delta creeks before it was successfully shut.
Yesterday, Eroton Exploration dished out an undated statement confirming that the spill indeed started on June 15, hinting that vandalism caused the spill.
They however said the wellhead platform had been removed, making it difficult to gain access to the well, it added.
‘’Our team of well engineers are working with contractors and evaluating the safest procedure that will be required to bring the well under control,’’ the company said, without further explanation.
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