Oil Spill From OML 29 Pipeline Contaminates Bayelsa’s Nembe Communities

AN oil leak from an 8-inch crude delivery line at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29, operated by Nembe Exploration and Production Company Ltd (formerly Aiteo), has polluted parts of Nembe communities along the Santa Barbara River in Bayelsa State.

The spill, which occurred on 1st October at the Tora area, discharged an unconfirmed volume of crude oil into surrounding waters, severely affecting residents who rely on the river for livelihood.

In a letter to the company, Iniruo Wills, legal counsel to the Opu Nembe Kingdom, demanded a thorough and transparent Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) and swift remediation measures. The community also rejected the operator’s proposed 6th October JIV date, preferring 9th October to allow time for proper representation.

Wills stressed the need for “a lasting framework” between the company, regulators, and communities to end repeated spills and their devastating impact on local livelihoods.