An explosion occurred at Nigeria’s key Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline on December 10, disrupting operations at the critical link that ships gas to industrial users and power plants across the country’s southwest region, raising concerns over electricity supply in Africa’s most populous nation.
Nigeria’s state oil company NNPC Ltd confirmed late Thursday that the blast was reported near the Tebijor, Okpele, and Ikpopo communities in the coastal Delta state. Initial checks showed a pressure drop consistent with a loss of containment on the pipeline, though the company did not provide details of the extent of the damage or any casualties.
“The cause of the explosion is still unknown but would be confirmed after a detailed investigation has been concluded. Our priority at this time is the safety of nearby communities and the protection of the environment,” the state company said, adding that it has activated emergency response procedures and teams.
The Escravos-Lagos pipeline, with capacity to pump 2.2 billion cubic feet per day, is a critical link in Nigeria’s gas network, feeding power plants and industrial users in the southwest. Disruptions often raise concerns over electricity supply in Africa’s most populous country, which relies heavily on gas-fired generation.
NNPC said investigations were underway and that emergency response teams have been deployed, working with authorities and local leaders to coordinate mitigation efforts. The incident of still unknown cause took place days after NNPC and Heirs Energies signed a deal to capture and use gas flared at their onshore OML 17 joint venture in a bid to monetize the resource and reduce flaring.
Sources: businessday.ng, oilprice.com