Ikarama community demands total replacement of pipeline instead of sectional replacement being carried out by Shell.
Location: Ikarama community in Yenagoa local government Area, Bayelsa State.
Cause of Spill: chemical suspected to be crude oil was found around Shells right of way close to the operational area.
Date of EDEN’s Visit: 20th, April, 2025 [Sunday].
Report By: Akpotu M. Ziworitin
INTRODUCTION:
Crude oil pipelines are vital infrastructure for transporting fossil fuels from production sites to refineries and distribution centers. In the Niger Delta, however, these pipelines are a major source of oil spills, often resulting from ruptures or corrosion caused by equipment failure or sabotage. While equipment failures are frequently linked to the aging and compromised integrity of pipelines, companies typically opt for sectional replacements rather than complete overhauls.
International standards estimate the lifespan of pipelines to be 20 to 30 years, depending on construction quality and environmental factors. Yet, throughout the history of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, very few pipelines have ever been fully replacedwith an example at JK4. Many pipelines, such as those installed since 1956 in Oloibiri and the 14-inch Adebawa Delivery Trunk line buried in the 1960s in Ikarama, remain in use despite being obsolete and prone to leaks from corrosion, leading to ongoing environmental pollution.
The 14-inch Adebawa Delivery Trunk line in Ikarama has suffered frequent leaks and equipment failures, which companies often attribute to sabotage. However, the pipeline has exceeded its intended service life, raising serious environmental safety concerns, suchdeterioration has led to catastrophic spills, posing significant environmental, economic, and health risks to local residents.
Communities like Ikarama, with a history of repeated oil spills, face multiple dangers and therefore deserve a strong voice regarding the pipeline’s condition. For decades, oil spills have contaminated soil and water bodies, severely affecting aquatic life due to toxic substances continuously released into the environment. Chemicals in crude oil have seeped into groundwater and evaporated into the air, causing respiratory problems, long-term illnesses, and food insecurity within the community. These impacts have also devastated local economies, particularly because they depend on fishing and farming.
On Sunday, 20th April 2025, EDEN received reports that Shell is conducting sectional replacements on the 14-inch Adebawa Delivery Trunk line in the Ikarama community. Concerns were raised about the potential environmental hazards from chemicals released during this process, prompting EDEN to initiate an investigation.
It was reported that Shell carried out a launch pigging operation from the Okordia manifold, which involved cleaning and inspecting the pipeline’s integrity. Seven problematic points have been identified and they entered the community to carry out replacements. They are currently being addressed, with the possibility of more emerging as work continues. The community is demanding a full replacement of the entire pipeline, arguing that previous sectional replacements have failed to prevent equipment failure spills, which Shell has attributed to sabotage. The community insists that only a complete pipeline replacement will resolve these ongoing issues.
Testimonies
My name is Idonibote Freeborn, a native of this community. I wish to express our concerns regarding the recent pipeline replacement exercise.
The military, acting on behalf of the company, allowed sectional replacement of the pipeline without formally notifying the community in advance. While we acknowledge the efforts to address compromised sections, we strongly recommend a complete replacement of the entire pipeline. The current pipeline, installed around 1964, has significantly deteriorated due to age and repeated ruptures. Sectional replacements have proven insufficient in the past; for instance, a similar approach in 2012 did not prevent further spills.
We urge the government and the company to prioritize a full pipeline replacement. Segmental repairs only address immediate issues and are likely to result in recurring leaks. Additionally, when spills occur due to equipment failure, the community is often unfairly blamed for tampering, despite the underlying infrastructure problems.
A comprehensive solution will better protect both the environment and the interests of our community.
My name is Washington Odoyibo a Public Relation Office of the chief council. On Wednesday, April 16th, our community observed a significant presence of Shell staff and equipment, who stated they were here to carry out sectional replacements on the Okordia/Rumuekpe Delivery pipeline. Upon inquiry, we were informed that these activities were part of ongoing efforts to address identified weak points in the pipeline’s integrity.
As the Public Relations Officer of the Chiefs Council, I have long argued that not all spills Shell attributes to sabotage are actually caused by third-party interference. Some spills result from equipment failure and poor pipeline maintenance, which Shell has often failed to acknowledge. This week, Shell’s own inspection teams identified seven critical points requiring attention, confirming my concerns about the pipeline’s condition.
Shell and other companies frequently blame sabotage for most spills, but evidence and court documents have shown that faulty and aging infrastructure is a major cause of the leaks. Despite ongoing disputes about the true causes, Shell is currently working to replace sections of the pipeline. However, it remains unclear whether these measures will prevent future incidents or if the frequency of spills will increase as the infrastructure continues to age.
While Shell continues to attribute most spills to sabotage, our experience and independent findings suggest that equipment failure and poor maintenance play a significant role in the recurring environmental damage in our community.
Observation and conclusion
Upon arrival, EDEN was promptly escorted to one of the seven operational sites, where heavy machinery was observed. The equipment on site included two swamp buggies, a generator, and an exhumed pipeline. Two tents were strategically positioned in proximity to a short pipe adjacent to a dugout excavation. Due to security considerations, EDEN was unable to conduct a comprehensive inspection of all seven locations; however, it was conveyed that the conditions observed at this site were representative of the remaining six sites.
Furthermore, a small quantity of a chemical substance, suspected to be crude oil, was detected in stagnant water near the right-of-way adjacent to the operational area. It was reported that this contamination was a consequence of the ongoing activities at the site.
The importance of replacing crude oil pipelines, especially in communities with high rates of oil spills, cannot be overstated. From safeguarding the environment and public health to bolstering local economies and community trust, the benefits of investing in new, robust pipeline infrastructure are profound. As we confront the environmental challenges of our time, prioritizing the safety and integrity of pipeline systems is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. A community burdened by the weight of past oil spills must advocate for immediate action to replace outdated pipelines—a decision that not only protects their present but also secures their future.
Demands.
1. Decommission outdated and abandoned pipelines.
2. Pipelines that had exceeded their lifespan should be replaced completely.
3. Legacy spills should be properly cleaned up.
4. Environmental impact assessment should be carried out before embarking on such projects
5. The company should carry out properly consultation before carrying out any activity in host communities