The Federal Government directed AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Ltd (AEEPCo), to halt operating in the Nembe oil spill area of Bayelsa State until a proper investigation is carried out.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement by Mr Saghir el Mohammed, Press Director, Ministry of Environment, in Abuja.
The statement added that adequate measures need to be put in place to ensure the safety of lives and property, at the site of the spill at Santa Barbara in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.
“The Federal Government has directed the exploration company, AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited (AEEPCo), to halt operations in the area until proper investigation is carried out.
“Also, adequate measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of lives and property in the area.
“It can be recalled that the spill occurred on Nov. 5, 2021, in a form of fountain within the proximity of Opu Nembe Community at Well 1, Wellhead located at the Southern Field of Sant Barbara.
“Upon receipt of the report of the incident, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) comprising the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), was set up.
“Also, the state Ministry of Environment, Community representatives and Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company was set up on Nov. 6, 2021 to immediately address the situation.
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