Confusion, fresh anxiety trail gas pipeline explosion in Rivers State

The denial of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that the exploration activities by its subsidiary, the Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) did not cause the explosion on one of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited’ (NLNG) pipelines has left stakeholders in a state of confusion and panic throughout Friday.

There are concerns as to whether the explosion could be an act carried out by militant groups.

Reports on Thursday had said that, at about 2pm, heavy noise was heard by residents of Emohua area of Rivers State, which was later linked to an explosion on the gas pipeline.

But the NNPC, in a statement by its Group General Manager Public Affairs, Ndu Ughamadu, said IDSL’s operation crew which was engaged in acquiring seismic data for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Oil Mining Lease (OML) was 798 metres away from the blast site.

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This has raised fresh fear of possible attack by militants, despite the ongoing peace talk, said an observer.

NLNG had earlier said that an explosion occurred in the afternoon of February 22, 2017 on a section of the Right of Way housing two gas transmission

But the IDSL said in the NNPC’s statement: “Our activities involve the use of seismic explosives of size 2kg and detonators. The drilled and exploded depth is 45 metres. At this depth, the effect on the surface cannot affect any structure.”

It said: “The suspected gas leakage on the gas pipeline between Eveku and Rumodogo 1 communities in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State of Febru- ary 22, 2017 was not caused and cannot be caused by NNPC, IDSL Party 05 seismic operations. Our closest activicity around the incident area yesterday was 798 metres away from the pipeline.”

It noted that as a responsible corporate body, the IDSL crew on operation in Emohua observed to the letter, DPR’s regulations governing such activities which include maintaining a minimum distance of 25 metres from tarmac roads, 50 metres from houses, 100 metres from pipelines, and a minimum distance of 200 metres from well heads or oil wells.

Most feared of the damage is the effect it could have on gas supply to NLNG customers, including power generating companies (Gencos) in Nigeria.

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