KEY POINTS
- NNPCL said it has contained a disruption on the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System after isolating affected sections in Delta State
- Joint inspection teams from NNPCL, NMDPRA and contractors have assessed the site, with continuity plans activated to limit impact
- The pipeline is a critical gas supply route to south-west Nigeria, making rapid containment key to energy security
Nigeria’s state energy company, NNPCL, said it has stabilised operations on the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System following a disruption in Delta State, moving to isolate affected sections and limit the impact on gas supply and surrounding communities.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said swift containment measures were deployed after an incident on a section of the pipeline in South-West Warri, Delta State. In a statement on Monday, the company said all relevant sections of the pipeline had been safely isolated, with no immediate threat to personnel, host communities or the environment.
The statement, signed by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said the response was guided by established safety and operational protocols aimed at preserving asset integrity while maintaining energy security.
Joint Inspection and Continuity Measures Activated
NNPCL said a joint preliminary inspection had already been carried out at the affected location, involving technical teams from the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority alongside NNPCL engineers and maintenance contractors. The inspection, it said, was part of a coordinated effort to assess the extent of the disruption and guide remedial actions.
The Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System is a critical component of Nigeria’s gas transportation network, supplying gas to power plants and industrial users across the south-west. Any disruption to the system can have implications for electricity generation and industrial output, making rapid response essential.
NNPCL Gas Infrastructure Company, which operates the pipeline network, said it activated its Business Continuity Plan immediately after the incident. The plan is designed to manage operational risks and minimise disruptions to shippers, suppliers and other stakeholders connected to the pipeline system.
According to the company, engagement with affected parties has been ongoing to manage expectations and ensure that any operational adjustments are communicated clearly.
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with host communities, state authorities and regulators as response efforts continue. It said cooperation from local stakeholders had been critical in enabling swift access to the site and effective containment of the incident.
While NNPCL did not disclose the cause of the disruption or provide a timeline for full restoration, it said further updates would be issued as assessments progress and remedial work advances.
The incident comes as Nigeria continues to rely heavily on gas infrastructure to support power generation, industrial growth and its broader energy transition strategy, placing renewed focus on the resilience and security of key pipeline assets.
