Renaissance Africa Energy Co. Ltd. has stopped oil shipments through its Okordia-Rumuekpe pipeline in Rivers state, Nigeria, due to a spill.
The independent oil firm reported the incident on Tuesday. The spill occurred early Monday in the Ikata community within the Ahoada East district.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) first detected the leakage via its volunteer network.
Renaissance, which owns a former Shell onshore subsidiary operating the pipeline, has ceased production into the affected line.
The company stated that measures are being taken to limit potential environmental damage.
While Renaissance did not specify the spill’s cause or extent, YEAC-Nigeria suspects third-party interference, noting crude oil spreading into the environment.
Renaissance has informed government regulators and is working with them and the local community on a joint investigation.
Persistent oil spills and pipeline vandalism are significant issues in Nigeria’s Niger River delta.
This pollution harms local communities and ecosystems and frequently disrupts oil production.
YEAC-Nigeria reported evidence of excavation and vandalism at the Okordia-Rumuekpe spill site.