Nigeria’s crude oil output threatened as fire guts NNPC, Akaso 4 facility

Nigeria’s oil output has been threatened as fire guts the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Akaso 4 facility in the Niger Delta. The facility operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Eighteen Operating Limited, caught fire, weekend, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.
In a statement obtained by Vanguard, Olaide Shonola, NUPRC’s spokesperson, said the fire started on August 2, 2024, at 11:12 pm, adding that the fire has spread to the adjacent riverbank.
She stated: “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.
“This is to prevent further spread and contamination of the environment. They are also planning to start the oil recovery process immediately.” 
 “They are now planning to deploy the total oxygen extraction method instead of the heat extraction method currently being deployed. The equipment fabrication is 100 per cent complete and the contractor is awaiting mobilisation from the well owners. Contractor personnel are on-site monitoring the incident,” the statement reads. “A meeting with the management of NNPC 18 Operating Limited is planned to review the safety and integrity of its operations.”