Ofure Akhigbe
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has confirmed an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline, raising fresh concerns over pipeline safety and the risks faced by residents in nearby communities.
In a statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on Friday, the company said the incident occurred at about 5:50 p.m. on December 10, 2025, near the Tebijor, Okpele and Ikpopo communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
According to NNPC Ltd, initial findings indicated a pressure drop on the affected line, consistent with a loss of containment on the pipeline operated by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company. Odeh said the cause of the explosion had not yet been determined, adding that a detailed investigation would establish the actual cause.
He stressed that the company’s immediate priority was ensuring the safety of residents and protecting the environment from further harm. Emergency response procedures, he noted, had already been activated, with NNPC working with government agencies and community leaders to contain the impact of the incident.
“NNPC Limited confirms an incident involving an explosion reported at about 17:50 hours on 10th December 2025 near the Tebijor, Okpele, and Ikpopo communities in the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State,” the statement read.
“Initial observations indicate a pressure drop consistent with a loss of containment on an NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company pipeline. The cause of the explosion is still unknown but will be confirmed after a detailed investigation has been concluded. Our priority at this time is the safety of nearby communities and the protection of the environment.
“Emergency response procedures have been activated, and we are working closely with relevant authorities and community leaders to ensure a coordinated approach to mitigate impact.
“NNPC Limited remains committed to the highest safety and environmental standards. Further updates will be provided as more confirmed information becomes available.”
The Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System is a major natural gas network that supplies gas to power plants in the South-West and also feeds the West Africa Gas Pipeline.