popular articles

Sabotage in Nigeria’s Oil Sector: Massive Leaks Shake the Niger Delta

A persistent oil spill in the Niger Delta, attributed to acts of sabotage, raises major concerns for Nigeria's oil industry, highlighting the sector's security and environmental challenges.

Please share:

For several weeks, an oil spill has been affecting the Buguma drilling site in Rivers State, located in the heart of the oil-rich Niger Delta region in Nigeria. Operated by a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), the incident has been attributed to oil thieves allegedly using explosives to gain illegal access to hydrocarbons.

In a recent statement, Olufemi Soneye, spokesperson for NNPCL, described the incident as an “act of sabotage” that caused fires and prolonged spills. According to the company, crude oil theft on this site has been a recurring issue since March 2023. The criminals’ methods, including the use of dynamite, reflect a troubling escalation in tactics targeting oil infrastructure.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Niger Delta, the epicenter of Nigeria’s oil production, is frequently the scene of attacks on pipelines and oil facilities. While these acts target economic resources, they have significant environmental consequences. Chima Williams, from the Environmental Defenders Network, called the situation a “catastrophe” for the region. He emphasized that prolonged spills and fires are severely damaging local ecosystems, destroying aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

In 2024, more than 600 oil spill incidents were reported in Nigeria, according to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). These spills resulted in the release of approximately 3 million liters of oil, equivalent to 96 tanker trucks, into the environment.

An Oil Sector Under Pressure

Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude oil producer, recently experienced an increase in production following years of decline caused by widespread pipeline theft, attacks, and high operational costs. However, these gains remain fragile amid the insecurity surrounding oil infrastructure.

Companies operating in the country, including NNPCL, also face growing investor skepticism, driven by the frequency of such incidents and associated financial risks. The sabotage at Buguma illustrates the ongoing tension between the economic potential of the oil industry and the structural, security, and environmental challenges it faces.

As the government seeks to stabilize the sector, experts are calling for increased investment in infrastructure security and spill prevention technologies. Proactive management appears essential to restoring investor confidence and minimizing impacts on local populations.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Petro-Victory Energy Corp. and Azevedo & Travassos Petroleo announce the joint acquisition of 13 onshore oil fields in Brazil. The USD 15 million deal aims to increase production and strengthen their presence in the Potiguar Basin.
ONGC and bp have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore opportunities in oil exploration, production, and trading. This three-year agreement aims to optimize mature fields and strengthen their presence in offshore bidding rounds in India.
ONGC and bp have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore opportunities in oil exploration, production, and trading. This three-year agreement aims to optimize mature fields and strengthen their presence in offshore bidding rounds in India.
Norwegian group Equinor plans to increase its oil and gas production by more than 10% by 2027. Facing economic constraints, the company is halving its investments in renewable energy and strengthening its presence in Africa, particularly in Tanzania.
Norwegian group Equinor plans to increase its oil and gas production by more than 10% by 2027. Facing economic constraints, the company is halving its investments in renewable energy and strengthening its presence in Africa, particularly in Tanzania.
Facing a decline in oil production, Equatorial Guinea is preparing to launch a new cycle of oil and gas license allocations. This initiative aims to attract investors to boost exploration and stabilize the hydrocarbon industry in a challenging economic context.
Facing a decline in oil production, Equatorial Guinea is preparing to launch a new cycle of oil and gas license allocations. This initiative aims to attract investors to boost exploration and stabilize the hydrocarbon industry in a challenging economic context.
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, could reach its full potential of 650,000 barrels per day within 30 days. Currently operating at 85% capacity, it faces crude oil supply challenges despite pressure from Nigeria’s regulatory authorities.
The government of Guyana is questioning the validity of the Corentyne Block exploration license held by CGX Energy and Frontera Energy. Facing this situation, the consortium is assessing its legal options to defend its interests in this strategic offshore zone.
The government of Guyana is questioning the validity of the Corentyne Block exploration license held by CGX Energy and Frontera Energy. Facing this situation, the consortium is assessing its legal options to defend its interests in this strategic offshore zone.
The new US oil tariffs of 10% and 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports could lead to a redirection of North American crude flows to other markets. Wood Mackenzie analyzes the implications for the three affected countries.
The new US oil tariffs of 10% and 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports could lead to a redirection of North American crude flows to other markets. Wood Mackenzie analyzes the implications for the three affected countries.
Russia will continue supplying oil to India under advantageous conditions despite U.S. sanctions affecting its energy sector. New Delhi relies on stable Russian deliveries to meet growing demand, consolidating a strategic partnership in a tense global market.
Russia will continue supplying oil to India under advantageous conditions despite U.S. sanctions affecting its energy sector. New Delhi relies on stable Russian deliveries to meet growing demand, consolidating a strategic partnership in a tense global market.
Petrobras aims to exploit a 10-billion-barrel deposit off the Amazon coast. While Ibama assesses the environmental impact, the Brazilian government supports the project, which could strengthen the country’s position in the global oil market.
A fire broke out aboard the Russian oil tanker *Koala* after an explosion in the engine room, forcing the crew to evacuate the vessel. The accident, which occurred in the port of Ust-Luga, caused no casualties or oil spills, according to authorities.
A fire broke out aboard the Russian oil tanker *Koala* after an explosion in the engine room, forcing the crew to evacuate the vessel. The accident, which occurred in the port of Ust-Luga, caused no casualties or oil spills, according to authorities.
CNOOC Limited has announced the start of production for Phase I of the Bozhong 26-6 oilfield development project, located in Bohai Bay. With an expected production capacity of 22,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025, this strategic project strengthens China's energy supply.
CNOOC Limited has announced the start of production for Phase I of the Bozhong 26-6 oilfield development project, located in Bohai Bay. With an expected production capacity of 22,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025, this strategic project strengthens China's energy supply.
The United States enacts new financial sanctions against an international network moving Iranian oil to China, with generated revenues funding military activities, according to Washington, sparking debate over the economic impact of such measures.
The United States enacts new financial sanctions against an international network moving Iranian oil to China, with generated revenues funding military activities, according to Washington, sparking debate over the economic impact of such measures.
The proposed eight new oil wells near Arcachon have sparked internal government disagreements. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, has voiced her opposition to this initiative, contradicting the previous statements of Christophe Béchu.
Africa Oil Corp. and its investee Impact Oil & Gas are accelerating their offshore operations in Namibia. Following the drilling of Tamboti-1X, work continues with Marula-1X, targeting Albian reservoirs. The Venus project, scheduled for 2026, could mark a key milestone.
Africa Oil Corp. and its investee Impact Oil & Gas are accelerating their offshore operations in Namibia. Following the drilling of Tamboti-1X, work continues with Marula-1X, targeting Albian reservoirs. The Venus project, scheduled for 2026, could mark a key milestone.
Ecopetrol has finalized the purchase of Repsol's remaining 45% stake in Block CPO-09 for $452 million. This strategic acquisition strengthens the Colombian company's presence in the Llanos Orientales basin and consolidates its role in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Ecopetrol has finalized the purchase of Repsol's remaining 45% stake in Block CPO-09 for $452 million. This strategic acquisition strengthens the Colombian company's presence in the Llanos Orientales basin and consolidates its role in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
U.S. crude oil reserves saw an unexpected increase of 8.7 million barrels last week, far exceeding market forecasts. This rise is attributed to low refinery activity and higher imports, amid a context of downward pressure on prices.
U.S. crude oil reserves saw an unexpected increase of 8.7 million barrels last week, far exceeding market forecasts. This rise is attributed to low refinery activity and higher imports, amid a context of downward pressure on prices.
OMV, the Austrian hydrocarbons group, has announced a slight decline in its net profit for the year 2024. The company's financial results reflect a decrease in its margins in an economic environment marked by energy price volatility.
OPEC+ continues to increase its oil production, responding to global demand while ignoring Donald Trump's calls to slow down the rise. This decision to maintain the production increase schedule has direct implications for global markets.
OPEC+ continues to increase its oil production, responding to global demand while ignoring Donald Trump's calls to slow down the rise. This decision to maintain the production increase schedule has direct implications for global markets.
After two record years of mergers and acquisitions in the oil and gas sector, upstream M&A activity is expected to slow down in 2025. Despite a deal pipeline valued at $150 billion, geopolitical tensions and restrictive fiscal policies are limiting new opportunities.
After two record years of mergers and acquisitions in the oil and gas sector, upstream M&A activity is expected to slow down in 2025. Despite a deal pipeline valued at $150 billion, geopolitical tensions and restrictive fiscal policies are limiting new opportunities.
Tullow Petroleum is focusing on reducing its debt after the cancellation of its merger project with Kosmos Energy. The company is exploring options to lighten its balance sheet and concentrate on its strategic activities.
Tullow Petroleum is focusing on reducing its debt after the cancellation of its merger project with Kosmos Energy. The company is exploring options to lighten its balance sheet and concentrate on its strategic activities.
Saudi Aramco plans to raise its official selling prices (OSP) in March, driven by China’s economic recovery and the redirection of Russian oil flows. Asian refiners are adapting to these new dynamics, influencing premiums on Middle Eastern crude.
Ukraine has claimed drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, affecting strategic facilities of Gazprom and other players. These attacks raise questions about supply and market stability in the region.
Ukraine has claimed drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, affecting strategic facilities of Gazprom and other players. These attacks raise questions about supply and market stability in the region.
Ecopetrol Permian LLC and Occidental Petroleum Corp (Oxy) extend their agreement on the development of the Permian Basin, planning to drill 34 additional wells between April 2025 and June 2026. This extension aligns with the investment and expansion strategy of both companies.
Ecopetrol Permian LLC and Occidental Petroleum Corp (Oxy) extend their agreement on the development of the Permian Basin, planning to drill 34 additional wells between April 2025 and June 2026. This extension aligns with the investment and expansion strategy of both companies.
After a record year with nearly $800 million invested in 2024, U.S. Energy Development Corporation announces an investment program of up to $1 billion in 2025, with a focus on the Permian Basin.
After a record year with nearly $800 million invested in 2024, U.S. Energy Development Corporation announces an investment program of up to $1 billion in 2025, with a focus on the Permian Basin.

Advertising