Nigerian energy company Aiteo has resumed production at its Nembe field after successfully stopping an oil leak. The field, located in Bayelsa state, produces nearly 50,000 barrels per day (bpd). This development comes after a brief shutdown earlier this week to address the leak.
The Nembe field is operated by Aiteo in a joint venture with the state oil company NNPC Ltd. The leak was detected on Monday during routine operations in the Nembe area. This region has suffered from decades of oil spills, which have severely impacted farming and fishing activities.
Aiteo released a statement announcing the resumption of production. The company expressed satisfaction with the efforts of its team to handle the leak. “Our dedicated team has worked diligently to address the issues caused by the recent incident and implemented enhanced safety protocols to prevent future occurrences,” the statement read. “We are delighted to confirm the resumption of production activities.”
The Nembe Creek facility is the largest of 11 fields operated by Aiteo under an oil mining lease. In addition to oil, the field produces significant amounts of natural gas, which supplies the Nigerian liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Bonny Island. The area is known for its history of oil spills, which have caused extensive environmental damage. Local communities have long been affected by these spills, which have contaminated water sources and soil, making it difficult to grow crops and fish. The recent leak added to the existing environmental challenges, but Aiteo’s swift response has been crucial in mitigating further damage.
The company’s joint venture with NNPC Ltd. highlights the collaborative efforts required to manage and operate such a significant oil field. The partnership between Aiteo and the state oil company is essential for maintaining production levels and ensuring the smooth operation of the field.
Aiteo’s statement also emphasized the implementation of enhanced safety protocols to prevent future incidents. This is an important step in addressing the ongoing environmental concerns in the Nembe area. By improving safety measures, Aiteo aims to minimize the risk of future leaks and spills.
In addition to oil production, the natural gas output from the Nembe field is a key component of Nigeria’s energy strategy. The gas produced at Nembe is used to supply the Nigerian liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Bonny Island. This facility plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy needs and supporting its LNG export market.
