NNPC Mobilizes Emergency Team Following Fire at Akaso Well

Late on the night of August 2, 2024, at approximately 11:12 PM, a fire ignited at the Akaso 4 Wellhead, managed by Nigerian National Petroleum Company 18 Operating Limited.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC 18 Operating Limited has swiftly sent an emergency response team to secure the well. This team is working to control the incident and isolate the affected area by using spill containment materials to curb further spread and environmental contamination.

“They are also planning to start the oil recovery process immediately. The company has deployed a Naval Houseboat within the incident area and established community surveillance to monitor the situation,” the statement indicated.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Additionally, the commission stated that a joint investigation with relevant parties is in the works to determine the cause and extent of the impact.

“It’s important to note that the Akaso Well 4 has been out of operation for a significant period of time. As a reminder, the fire at the company’s Alakiri Well 9T, which started on 23 February 2024, is still raging,” the statement continued.

The NUPRC mentioned that the contractor tasked with managing the situation, Kenyon International West Africa Company, is encountering difficulties extinguishing the fire.

“They are now planning to deploy the total oxygen extraction method instead of the heat extraction method currently being deployed. The equipment fabrication is 100 per cent complete and the contractor is awaiting mobilisation from the well owners. Contractor personnel are on-site monitoring the incident,” the statement added.

The NUPRC further announced that a meeting with the management of NNPC 18 Operating Limited is scheduled to discuss the safety and integrity of their operations.

“We will provide further updates on the incident as they become available.”

Image credit: NNPC