NNPC confirms Escravos pipeline explosion contained, communities safe

GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari Photo: NNPCL

Kindly share this story:

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has confirmed that the recent explosion along the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System in Warri, Delta State, has been contained, and host communities remain safe.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, and shared via its official X handle on Monday, the oil company recalled that the incident was first reported on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

“NNPC Limited is providing an update on the incident reported on Thursday, 11th December 2025, on a section of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System in South West Warri, Delta State,” the statement said.

It added that “coordinated containment measures have been successfully executed, ensuring the safety of host communities, personnel, and the environment,” and that “all relevant pipeline sections have been safely and securely isolated.”

It revealed that a joint preliminary inspection had been carried out at the affected location, “involving NNPC Limited, the Nigeria Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority technical teams, and maintenance contractors.”

The company stated that the operator of the pipeline, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, has also activated its response measures.

“NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, the operator of the network, has activated its Business Continuity Plan to manage the impact on all affected stakeholders, including shippers and suppliers,” the statement said.

The company emphasised its continued engagement with stakeholders, noting that “NNPC Ltd continues to maintain open communication with host communities, state authorities, and other critical stakeholders, and appreciates their sustained support and cooperation.”

It reiterated its commitment to safety, environmental protection, and operational reliability, adding that it “remains committed to the safety of its host communities, the protection of the environment, and the reliability of its operations across all assets.”

PUNCH Online had reported that the company confirmed the explosion, stating: “NNPC Limited confirms an incident involving an explosion reported at about 17:50 hours on 10th December 2025 near Tebijor, Okpele, and Ikpopo communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.”

It added that preliminary checks indicated a disturbance in pressure levels along the affected gas line.

“Initial observations indicate a pressure drop consistent with a loss of containment on an NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company pipeline,” the company said, noting that investigations into the exact cause of the explosion are ongoing.

Olugbenga is a fine-grained journalist with over nine years of experience. He loves the smell of a good lead and has a penchant for finding out interesting good reports.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.