The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reported a fire incident at the Akaso 4 Wellhead, operated by Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Eighteen Operating Limited.
Laide Shonola, the Head of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications at NUPRC, disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday. According to the statement, the fire, which has spread along the nearby riverbank, was first reported on August 2 at approximately 11:12 p.m.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, NUPRC confirmed that a joint investigation with relevant stakeholders has been initiated to determine the cause and assess the area of impact.
“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 environmental contamination. They are also planning to commence the oil recovery process immediately,” the statement read.
In response to the incident, the company has deployed a Naval Houseboat within the affected area and established community surveillance to monitor the situation closely.
NUPRC also noted that Akaso Well 4 has been out of operation for a significant period.
As a point of concern, the statement referenced the ongoing fire at the company’s Alakiri Well 9T, which has been burning since February 23, 2024. The contractor engaged to handle that situation, Kenyon International West Africa Company, is now planning to switch from the heat extraction method to the total oxygen extraction method in an effort to extinguish the fire. The equipment fabrication is reportedly 100% complete, with the contractor awaiting mobilisation from the well owners.
NUPRC has scheduled a meeting with the management of NNPC 18 Operating Limited to review the safety and integrity of its operations, promising to provide further updates as they become available.
