Group Decries Surge in Oil & Gas Spillages in Niger Delta
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of oil and gas spillages and leakages across several communities in the Niger Delta, describing the situation as alarming but unsurprising.
Recent incidents have been recorded in Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, Kpean Community in Khana Local Government Area, and Oshi Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. YEAC-Nigeria noted a significant increase in spill events in the region over recent months.
Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, said the worsening pollution aligns with warnings previously issued by the group about deteriorating infrastructure in facilities transferred from multinational oil companies (MOCs) to Indigenous Oil Companies (IOCs).
According to him, “We have said it times without number that oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta are going to have the worst of oil pollution regimes under the Indigenous Oil Companies after divestments. The facilities are obsolete, decaying, and prone to leakages, and it will be an era of exploitation without redress since affected communities can no longer pursue justice abroad.”
YEAC-Nigeria highlighted disturbing reports from Bille Kingdom, where gas has been leaking from “thousands of holes bubbling from the ground, water, and creeks” for more than six weeks. Despite letters to relevant authorities—including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Ministry of Environment—no concrete action has been taken.
“This negligence has placed the community on a keg of gunpowder,” the group said, warning that any mishandling of inflammable materials in the dry season could trigger a catastrophic fire.
In the Ogoni region, a major new spill was reported at Oil Well 14 in the Yorla Oil Field in OML 11, where a similar incident occurred months ago. The latest spill, reported to YEAC-Nigeria on December 3, 2025, is “more massive than previous incidents,” damaging water bodies, flora, and fauna. The group urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), alleged to be the new operator, to respond swiftly and take responsibility.
Additionally, a fresh gas leakage was confirmed in the Oshi Community River in Ahoada West Local Government Area on the same day, adding to what YEAC-Nigeria called a “growing list of ecological disasters.”
The organisation condemned the lack of urgency from authorities and operators, insisting on the immediate replacement of obsolete pipelines, adequate compensation for affected communities as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and stronger environmental protection measures.
YEAC-Nigeria noted that these new spillages further complicate ongoing cleanup efforts by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoni, warning against introducing additional pollutants into an already fragile ecosystem.
“YEAC-Nigeria will continue to monitor the situation across the Niger Delta, advocate for justice, and defend the environmental rights of the people,” the group said.
The report did not specify whether the spillages resulted from equipment failure or third-party interference. However, pipeline protection firms continue to report zero breaches on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), citing improved surveillance.
