A gas pipeline fire broke out overnight in Rivers State, marking the third such incident in a week in the oil-rich region currently under emergency rule.
The blaze occurred along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji right-of-way, according to a statement from Witness Alasia, general secretary of the Soku Kingdom. Local reports, including from Vanguard, suggest the fire may have resulted from an explosion at the facility.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of setbacks that threaten oil and gas operations in Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude producer. Just last week, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the region after a series of attacks on oil pipelines temporarily disrupted operations on a critical supply line. As part of the emergency measures, elected officials—including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and local legislators—have been suspended, with a retired military officer appointed as the sole administrator.
The Soku gas facility plays a vital role in supplying gas feedstocks to liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in the Bonny area of Rivers State. Previously operated by Shell Plc, the facility was recently transferred to Renaissance Africa Energy, which acquired several onshore assets in the region.
When asked for comments, Renaissance redirected inquiries to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG)—a company jointly owned by Shell, the Nigerian government, and other oil majors. However, NLNG has yet to respond to the situation.
With growing concerns over oil infrastructure security and the broader implications for Nigeria’s energy sector, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments in the region.
