The Nigerian Senate has mandated its committees on Petroleum Upstream, Downstream, Gas, Niger Delta Affairs, Health and Environment, to investigate a recent gas pipeline explosion in Bayelsa state.
The Senate also directed oil and gas companies operating in the affected areas to conduct integrity tests on all pipelines to ensure their safety and prevent future incidents
This resolution follows a motion titled “Massive Explosion Close to Gbarain-Ubie Gas Processing Facility in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, and Pollution of the Environment: The Need for Urgent Action,” sponsored by Senator Benson Friday Konbowei(PDP Bayelsa Central)
In his lead debate, Senator Konbowei highlighted that the inferno released substantial volumes of poisonous gaseous substances into the atmosphere, causing significant environmental pollution and adversely impacting the health of nearby residents.
He emphasized that the cause of the explosions remains unknown, creating an atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty.
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The Gbarain-Ubie Gas Processing Facility is one of Nigeria’s most valuable gas projects, costing billions of US dollars and processing approximately 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
The Lawmaker says The facility supplies gas to the Bonny Terminal for export, significantly contributing to the country’s foreign exchange earnings and serving as an important employer.
The Bayelsa Lawmaker says the explosion has caused widespread panic among the local community residents
Accordingly, the Senate resolved to constitute an ad-hoc joint committee comprising the chairmen and vice chairmen of the Senate committees on Petroleum Upstream and Downstream, Niger Delta, Host Communities, Health, Gas, and Environment.
to investigate the cause of the inferno
Additionally, the Senate is calling on the Federal Government to adopt measures to protect the environment from further degradation and enhance the protection of national economic assets to prevent similar threats in the future.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government and the pipeline operator to provide medical assistance and relief materials to those affected by the pollution and shock caused by the explosion.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
