Nigerian Gas Pipeline Hit by Major Explosion

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): An explosion has reportedly damaged the Nigerian Escravos-Lagos Pipeline-one of the major pipelines in the country that supplies gas from Escravos region of Niger Delta area to Egbin power station near Lagos in Nigeria. The pipeline had just restarted following a recent shutdown caused by a fire.

The explosion took place along Egbokodo-Omadino in the Warri region of Delta state, damaging the pipeline. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced closure of the pipeline for repair works. It has been ordered to execute the repair works immediately so that supply is not interrupted.

The gas supply is expected to be restored at the earliest, NNPC sources said. Meantime, the supply from alternative sources including Oben, Oredo, Sapele, Ughelli and Utorogu has been stepped up to address any shortfall which may arise due to repair works.

Earlier, the fire incident which took place January 2nd at Abakila inOndo State had resulted in total collapse of Nigeria’s power grid. It had resulted in complete shutdown of pipelines supplying gas to six major power plants. Further, it had also impacted gas supply to neighboring Ghana.

The Escravos-Lagos Pipeline, owned by NNPC, feeds plants that account for nearly one-sixth of the country’s power. It also provides connection to the West Africa Gas Pipeline System, which supplies gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana.