By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited, has shut down the Trans Niger Pipeline in Rivers State.
This action, according to the company, was taken because of a fire observed on the right of way of the pipeline (TNP) in Ogoni land.
A statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by SPDC spokesman, Mr Joe Obari, noted that a joint investigation visit would determine the cause and impact of the fire.
Mr Obari disclosed that the incident occurred in Gio, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“SPDC has shut the TNP as a precautionary measure pending the investigation,” he said.
The shutdown comes as repairs are completed on the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) that moves major export grades.
Last Friday, members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) blew up the Bonny Crude Export pipeline, breaching a ceasefire it entered with the Federal Government.
But Shell did not explain on Tuesday if the pipeline it closed was the same blew up by the militants last week.
The Trans Niger Pipeline is one of two major pipelines that carry the Bonny Light crude grade for export.