The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it has begun investigation into Thursday’s explosion near a pipeline in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gbenga Komolafe stated on Friday in Abuja that it began the investigation in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and would provide updates appropriately.
According to Komolafe, the investigation is in line with NUPRC’s statutory regulatory oversight of upstream operations in the oil and gas industry.
“NUPRC wishes to announce that an explosion leading to a major fire incident near a pipeline in Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers on Thursday night has been reported.
“There are speculations about the level of casualties, but the Commission cannot confirm any until after our investigation,’’ Komolafe stated.
He assured that NUPRC would take all necessary measures to ensure that safety and environmental measures were put in place in line with global best practices to safeguard lives and the environment.
Meanwhile, The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Friday said 25 ships conveying petroleum products and other goods were expected at Lagos port from March 3 to March 15.
It listed the items expected at the port as bulk sugar, frozen fish, bulk urea, bulk gypsum, butane gas, soya bean, bulk wheat, container and petrol.
The NPA also stated that 21 ships were already discharging general cargo, petrol, containers, soya bean meal, bulk urea, bulk fertiliser, bulk wheat, truck, bulk sugar, wheat bran pellet, automobile gasoline and frozen fish.
The authority noted that seven ships had arrived the port and were waiting to berth with containers, jet fuel, automobile gasoline and fuel. (NAN)
