Unpacking The Truth Behind The Pipeline Explosion In Rivers State

Activist Sounds the Alarm on Pipeline Safety

Let me tell you something real right off the bat. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the Executive Director of the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Center (YEAC), is not mincing words when it comes to the recent explosion on the Trans-Niger Delta Pipeline in Bodo, Rivers State. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Post, he made it crystal clear that we shouldn’t be quick to blame the ongoing political crisis in the region for this disaster. Instead, he pointed a finger directly at equipment failure as the likely culprit.

Here’s the deal: Fyneface is urging everyone to take a step back and avoid jumping to conclusions about ethnic tensions or sabotage being the root cause of the explosion. While it’s easy to blame politics, especially in a region as volatile as Rivers State, the truth might just be simpler—and far more concerning. Aging infrastructure, lack of proper maintenance, and sheer neglect could very well be the real reasons behind this tragedy.

Who's Responsible for Maintaining These Aging Pipelines?

Fyneface didn’t hesitate to call out the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Shell, the two major players operating the pipeline. He reminded everyone that these pipelines have been around for over six decades. Six decades! Can you imagine how much wear and tear that’s accumulated over the years? It’s no wonder they’re starting to burst like overinflated balloons when transporting crude oil to the export terminal in Bonny.

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He painted a vivid picture, saying, “These pipelines have been laid for over sixty years, and they are bursting and deflating like balloons when there is heavy pressure transporting crude oil to the export terminal in Bonny.” The lack of regular maintenance has left these pipelines in a precarious state, making them highly susceptible to explosions and spills. It’s not just a matter of inconvenience; it’s an environmental and human catastrophe waiting to happen.

Political Tensions: A Distraction or a Root Cause?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the political tensions in Rivers State. There’s no denying that the region is grappling with its fair share of ethnic and political issues, particularly between the Ikwerre and Ijaw ethnic groups. Some have speculated that the explosion could be linked to threats from youths who’ve warned of sabotaging pipelines due to these tensions. But Fyneface wants none of that narrative.

He emphasized, “Ogoni land does not belong to either the Ikwerre or Ijaw ethnic nationalities.” His point? The political disputes, while real and significant, are not the cause of this explosion. Instead, he believes the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) should conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. It’s time for facts, not speculation.

A Stark Reality: The Future of the Niger Delta

Here’s where things get really serious. Fyneface isn’t just sounding the alarm about the current explosion; he’s warning us about what’s to come. The Niger Delta has long been plagued by oil spills and pipeline explosions, and any period without these incidents should be celebrated as a rare victory. But with the ongoing divestment by multinational oil companies and the transfer of facilities to indigenous companies, the situation is only going to worsen.

He explained, “A lot of these things have been happening, and more are still going to happen because a lot of these pipelines are already bad, already weak. And divestment is going on, where the multinational oil companies are handing over these facilities to indigenous companies who even lack the technological capacity and finances to run them.”

In other words, we’re looking at a perfect storm of aging infrastructure, insufficient resources, and a lack of proper oversight. The result? More explosions, more equipment failures, and more oil spills in the future. It’s a grim forecast, but one that we can’t afford to ignore.

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Fyneface concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for action. He’s not just raising awareness; he’s calling for accountability and responsibility from those in charge. If we don’t address these issues now, the consequences will only escalate, leaving the Niger Delta—and its people—paying the ultimate price.