Senator Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, has called for an investigation into recent explosions at NNPCL facilities within OML 18, affecting Bonny and Degema Local Government Areas.
The latest explosion occurred two days ago near Bonny’s Cawthorne Channel, following a similar incident in Bukuma (Agum), Degema, just two weeks earlier.
Describing the frequency of these fires as alarming, Senator Harry-Banigo stated, “The recurrence of these outbreaks within the same OML 18 location in such a short time is deeply troubling. Any responsible society, organisation, or institution should treat this as a grave concern.”
She urged NNPCL, the operators of OML 18, to conduct a thorough investigation to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the explosions, as well as their impact on the environment and local livelihoods.
While acknowledging the responsibility of host communities in protecting oil installations, the Senator emphasised that operators must uphold the highest safety standards.
She called on NNPCL to take swift action to prevent further hazardous incidents that threaten both the environment and the well-being of affected communities.