The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission on Saturday reported a fire incident at its Akaso 4 Wellhead operated by NNPC 18 Operating Limited.
The incident which has extended along the adjacent riverbank happened on the on Friday at about 11:12 pm.
A statement by the Head of Public Affairs and Corporate Communication of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mrs Olaide Shonola noted that a rapid response emergency team has been deployed to secure the well, and isolate the affected area using spill containment materials to prevent further spread and contamination of the environment.
The statement noted that the company has deployed a Naval Houseboat within the incident area and established community surveillance to monitor the situation.
They are also planning to start the oil recovery process immediately while the cause of the incident is not yet known.
She disclosed that the fire at the company’s Alakiri Well 9T, which started on February 23, 2024, is still raging as the contractor, Kenyon International West Africa Company, is facing some challenges in putting out the fire.
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“They are now planning to deploy the total oxygen extraction method instead of the heat extraction method currently being deployed.” she stated.
The NUPRC says a meeting with the management of NNPC 18 Operating Limited is underway to review the safety and integrity of its operations, noting that further updates on the incident would be provided soon.
While stating that the cause of the incident is not yet known, Shonola disclosed that a joint investigation with relevant stakeholders was being planned to determine the cause and the area of impact.
She noted that the Akaso Well 4 has been out of operation for a significant period.
Meanwhile, the NUPRC spokesperson revealed that the fire at the NNPC’s Alakiri Well 9T is still raging.
“The contractor engaged in dealing with the situation, Kenyon International West Africa Company, is facing some challenges in putting out the fire.
“They are now planning to deploy the total oxygen extraction method instead of the heat extraction method currently being deployed.
“The equipment fabrication is 100 per cent complete and the contractor is awaiting mobilisation from the well owners. Contractor personnel are on-site monitoring the incident,” she stressed.
“We will provide further updates on the incident as soon as they are available,” she added.
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