Shell oil spill at Bonny Export Terminal threatens local economy

…Floating dead fishes spark environmental concerns 

…Company suspends export operations 

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — A massive oil spill at Shell Petroleum Development Company’s loading terminal in Bonny, Rivers State has raised serious concerns about the environmental and economic consequences for local communities.

The spill, which occurred more than a week ago during crude oil loading for export, has spread to the shoreline of Andoni including Oyorokoto and Anyama, a major fishing settlement in Nigeria, threatening marine life, disrupting fishing activities, and potentially affecting the region’s economy vital marine transport industries.

While a Joint Investigative Visit, JIV, scheduled for last Tuesday did not hold, SweetcrudeReports had earlier reported that the Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Chuwkuemeka Woke, already has approved the use of dispersants to tackle the environmental disaster.

The spill, which has been described as the worst in recent times, has particularly polluted water bodies and impacted local fishermen, who depend on the rich waters of Bonny which joins the Atlantic Ocean, for their livelihood.

With fishing being the primary source of income for peasant fisherfolks across the numerous fishing settlements adjoining Bonny Island, the economic fallout is becoming severe.

A fisherman, Solomon Akpan, with over 20 years of experience fishing along the Atlantic coastline, expressed concern over the dwindling fish stocks in the affected area.

Akpan regretted that the Bonny and Andoni fishing industry has already been hit hard by past spills and expressed sadness that this one could be worse.

“I’ve been fishing in these waters for over 20 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. The spill has already reached the shoreline, and I’ve noticed fewer fish around. It’s hard to imagine how we will make a living if the waters are polluted like this.”

“Our families depend on the fish we catch. Dead fishes are already floating in Oyorokoto, if all the fishes die or leave because of the oil, we will have nothing to bring home. The government and SPDC must take responsibility for what has happened and help us recover.

“The government and SPDC need to take immediate action not just to stop the spill, but also to ensure that those of us who depend on these industries are supported,” he said.

In addition to the fishing industry, the spill poses a threat to Bonny’s transportation industry. Oil contamination along the coastline has disrupted the waterways, leading to delays and affecting the transportation of goods.

Tourism is also at risk, as Finima in Bonny, known for its pristine coastline and vibrant marine life, could see a decline in visitors this yuletide, especially eco-tourists who are drawn to the area’s natural beauty and long beaches.

The oil slick threatens to tarnish Finima beaches’ reputation as a tourist destination, further compounding the economic challenges facing the Niger Delta region.

As the spill reaches the shoreline, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, says they are working to assess the full scope of the damage and coordinate containment efforts.

Mr. Osagie Edward, Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, in a statement also assured the public that it is collaborating with SPDC and other stakeholders to mitigate the environmental impact and minimize disruption to local industries.

“We understand the serious economic and environmental implications of this spill, and we are working tirelessly to manage the situation. NIMASA is fully committed to ensuring that the impact of the spill is contained,” he stated.

However, environmental advocates have raised concerns about the long-term environmental harm of the spill, as many fear the lasting impact on the region’s waters and biodiversity.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, YEAC-Nigeria, who described the spill as a “united oil spill,” called for immediate action to stop the spill and urged SPDC to carry out a comprehensive cleanup and ensure that the affected communities are compensated for their losses.

Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene, stressed the need for urgent intervention to prevent further environmental destruction and mitigate the long-term impact on local populations. The group also urged government agencies to hold the responsible parties accountable for the extensive damage caused.

“This is one spill too many. The damage to the ecosystem and livelihoods is monumental. Urgent action must be taken to halt the spill, clean up the affected areas, and compensate the affected communities,” Dr. Fyneface said.

Similarly, Rev. Nnimmo Bassey, Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, HOMEF, described the incident as another tragic example of environmental neglect in the Niger Delta, and urged relevant agencies to hold oil companies accountable.

“These spills are the harsh realities for communities in this region. Most of the pipelines are outdated, and in many cases, nothing is done to address the damage. The time has come for regulatory bodies to act decisively. Communities should not be left to suffer while polluters go unpunished,” said HOMEF.

Meanwhile, the management of Shell Nigeria when contacted, said operations at its Bonny Export Terminal were suspended on December 8, 2024, following the “detection of an oil sheen at a loading buoy during export activities.”

Shell’s spokesperson, Mr. Michael Adande, told our correspondent that the company’s Emergency Response Team was activated immediately after the incident, and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, was notified.

According to Adande, a Joint Investigation Visit by NOSDRA was currently underway to determine the cause and impact of the oil spill.

“Export operations were halted immediately after the oil sheen was detected. Our priority is the safety, health, and well-being of the local community and the environment,” Shell said.

The company also noted that containment and clean-up plans are being prepared to minimize any potential environmental impact.

Adande added: “The Joint Investigation Visit will provide a comprehensive assessment of the situation. In the meantime, we are actively engaging communities in the area because we are committed to protecting people and the environment from any potential impact from our operations.

“Our priority currently is the safety, health and well-being of the local community and the environment. Our environmental team is therefore actively monitoring the situation and preparing for the implementation of containment and clean-up to minimize any environmental impact.”