A special committee has been formed by the Nigerian Senate to look into the extensive explosion and Pollution of the environment near the Gbarain-Ubie gas processing facility in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa state. The ad-hoc committee, made up of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen from various committees, including Petroleum (Upstream and Downstream), Gas, Niger Delta, Environment, Health and the host communities, have been assigned the task of investigating the explosion’s cause and impact. They are required to provide a report to the full assembly in four weeks.
The motion was passed during the plenary session, emphasising the necessity for prompt action regarding the significant explosion near the Gbaran-Ubie gas processing facility in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, as well as the resulting environmental pollution. Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP Bayelsa) sponsored this motion, advocating for immediate measures to address the situation. During his speech, Senator Konbowei emphasised the significance of the Gbarain-Ubie gas processing facility as one of Nigeria’s most costly gas projects, requiring billions of US Dollars for construction.
Explosions at a crude oil pipeline led to a raging fire near the gas plant.
He emphasised the plant’s daily gas processing capacity of about two billion standard cubic feet. He also mentioned that the facility plays a crucial role in providing gas to the Bonny terminal for export, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and serving as a major employer. On May 14th, a legislator reported massive explosions at a crude oil pipeline, leading to a raging fire near the gas plant. He expressed concern over the facility’s safety, emphasising its importance as a valuable national economic resource.
Also, the explosions led to widespread fear and anxiety among the nearby community residents. The fire caused a significant amount of toxic gases to be released into the air, leading to severe pollution in the area and negative effects on the health of nearby residents. He expressed worries that the contamination of the local air with harmful impurities leads to potential breathing problems, lung damage, and increased risks for individuals with asthma. Additionally, he shared his concerns about the mysterious nature of the explosions, which added an element of suspense and uncertainty to the situation.
Environmental Impact Assessments are essential before exploration.
Senator Diket Plang, who is from the APC party in Plateau, stressed the importance of companies conducting Environmental Impact Assessments before oil and gas exploration. He emphasised the risks of inhaling carbon dioxide to human health. Senators Seriake Dickson of PDP Bayelsa and Etang Williams of APC Cross River, along with other lawmakers, supported the motion. The Senate passed a resolution urging the government to take action to preserve the environment and prevent further deterioration.
Additionally, they emphasised the need to safeguard other vital economic resources to avoid similar threats in the future. He urged the government and the Pipeline operator to supply medical aid and relief supplies to those impacted by the pollution and its consequences. Safety protocols and environmental impact assessments are essential components of responsible industrial operations, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Safety protocols are measures put in place to prevent accidents, protect workers and surrounding communities from harm, and mitigate the impact of incidents when they occur.
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On the other hand, environmental impact assessments are evaluations conducted to identify and assess the potential environmental consequences of a proposed project or activity. These assessments help stakeholders understand the potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. These mechanisms are critical in preventing such disasters and protecting Public Health and the environment. Safety protocols in industrial facilities like gas processing plants are designed to ensure proper maintenance, equipment integrity, emergency response preparedness, and worker training.