A major oil spill has struck Nigeria’s Trans Niger Pipeline, spewing crude into the B-Dere community in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The rupture, which occurred on 6 May, has yet to be contained, raising alarms from environmental advocates and deepening public concern.
Rights group Health of Mother Earth Foundation described the slow response as “unconscionable,” warning that any spark could trigger a deadly fire.
Nnimmo Bassey, the group’s director, said the disaster highlighted urgent calls to clean up Ogoniland and halt further oil exploration.
“This spill, left unchecked for a week, shows a complete disregard for human life and the environment,” Bassey stated.
The Trans Niger Pipeline, with a capacity of 450,000 barrels per day, is a critical route for exporting Bonny Light crude.
This marks the second incident in two months after a March explosion forced a shutdown and ignited fires along the line.
Renaissance Group, which now operates Shell’s former onshore assets, confirmed the rupture and said investigators are probing the cause.
However, the company has yet to disclose whether the pipeline has been shut or if crude exports will be affected.
Communities in Ogoniland, among Africa’s oldest oil-producing regions, have suffered decades of pollution with little relief or compensation.
Despite the region’s wealth in oil, locals often bear the brunt of toxic spills while profits flow to corporations and the state.
The growing frequency of pipeline failures underscores the legacy of sabotage, crude theft, and neglect in Nigeria’s oil heartland.
Shell, Exxon Mobil, Total, and Eni have exited onshore operations in recent years, citing security risks and environmental liabilities.
Renaissance Group’s acquisition in March included firms such as Aradel Energy, Waltersmith, and Petroline, signalling a shift in ownership but not in outcome.
As oil continues to spill, pressure mounts on the government and operators to act swiftly and prioritise people over profit.
