Fire has erupted at the Akaso 4 Wellhead, operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) 18 Operating Limited in Rivers State. The incident, which occurred late Friday night, has extended along the adjacent riverbank, raising environmental concerns and prompting a swift emergency response.
The fire was reported around 11:12 p.m. on Friday and has drawn attention from both local authorities and environmental agencies. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) confirmed the incident in a statement released by its spokesperson, Olaide Shonola, on Saturday. The Akaso 4 Wellhead has been out of operation for some time, making the sudden blaze unexpected and concerning.
In response to the fire, NNPC 18 Operating Limited has deployed a rapid response emergency team to the site. Their primary objectives are to secure the well, contain the spread of the fire, and prevent further environmental contamination. Spill containment materials are being used to isolate the affected area, and plans to begin the oil recovery process are underway.
“NNPC 18 Operating Limited has confirmed that a rapid response emergency team has been deployed to secure the well, address the incident, and isolate the affected area using spill containment materials to prevent further spread and contamination of the environment,” said Shonola. “They are also planning to start the oil recovery process immediately.”
In addition to the emergency response team, a Naval Houseboat has been deployed within the incident area to aid in containment efforts. The company has also established community surveillance to monitor the situation and provide updates on the fire’s status.
While the cause of the fire is not yet known, NUPRC has announced plans for a joint investigation with relevant stakeholders to determine the cause and assess the area of impact. This investigation will involve local authorities, environmental agencies, and representatives from NNPC 18 Operating Limited.
Shonola emphasized that the investigation aims to uncover the root cause of the incident and evaluate the potential environmental damage. “The cause of the incident is not yet known,” Shonola stated. “A joint investigation with relevant stakeholders is being planned to determine the cause and the area of impact.”
In a related issue, the fire at NNPC’s Alakiri Well 9T, which has been burning since February 23, 2024, continues to pose significant challenges. The contractor engaged to address the Alakiri fire, Kenyon International West Africa Company, is experiencing difficulties in extinguishing the blaze.
“They are now planning to deploy the total oxygen extraction method instead of the heat extraction method currently being used,” Shonola explained. “The equipment fabrication is 100 percent complete, and the contractor is awaiting mobilisation from the well owners. Contractor personnel are on-site monitoring the incident.”
The ongoing fires at Akaso 4 Wellhead and Alakiri Well 9T have raised safety and environmental concerns. A meeting with the management of NNPC 18 Operating Limited is planned to review the safety and integrity of its operations. This review will focus on preventing future incidents and ensuring that all necessary safety measures are in place.
Environmentalists and community leaders have expressed concerns about the potential impact of these fires on the local ecosystem and surrounding communities. The fires not only threaten the environment but also pose health risks to residents in nearby areas.
The incidents at the Akaso 4 and Alakiri 9T wells highlight the challenges and risks associated with oil exploration and production. As investigations continue, the focus remains on containment, safety, and environmental protection.
The NUPRC and NNPC 18 Operating Limited have committed to providing further updates on the situation as they become available, ensuring transparency and accountability in addressing these critical issues.
