Oil export resumes at Nembe fields after loading mishap

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operator of the Nembe Oilfields says it has resumed operations from the production and export facility off Bayelsa coastline shut due to an oil spill from a loading mishap on June 17.

The incident subsequently discharged large volumes of crude into the Atlantic Ocean.

Aiteo announced the resumption in a statement issued on Saturday by its Spokesman, Mr. Mathew Ndianabasi.

The Nembe fields within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 can produce 180,000 barrels of crude per day at peak levels.

It was learnt that frequent vandalism by oil thieves has significantly hammered peak production from the facility.

The statement noted that following the completion of the joint investigative visit to the spill site by all stakeholders as required by regulations, AEEPCO will reopen its facilities for production while continuing other statutory spill management procedures.

Ndianabasi quotes, AEEPCO’s Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo, as saying: “After a comprehensive evaluation of our operations and infrastructure at the Nembe Swamp Field, we are delighted to confirm the resumption of production activities.

“Our dedicated team has worked diligently to address the issues caused by the recent incident and implemented enhanced safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.

“We have engaged with regulatory bodies, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability throughout this process.”