Automate your operations to be smartly controlled
OpenLife Nigeria reports that the NigerianAutomate your operations to be smartly controlled Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has recommended that multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region upgrade their facilities to be smartly controlled.
The Zonal Operation Controller of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Port Harcourt office Professor Godday Ineh made the recommendation during a joint investigation visit to the Obiafu Gas Well in Ebeocha community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni local government area.
It would be recalled that there was a gas leak and Well Head fire incident at the Obiafu Well on 15 November 2021 which lasted till 14 January 2022, reportedly caused by sabotage.
The NUPRC boss said a smartly controlled oil and gas facility when upgraded, will eliminate human interference and prevent incessant fire outbreak on the facilities.
“Going forward, I want all operating companies including NAOC to ensure producing oil and gas Wells should be smart enough so they could be remotely controlled, so as to eliminate human interference. Because if that was the case with Obiafu five Gas Well, that Well should have been shut down remotely, and the fire wouldn’t have been burning for more than fifty days. It is a lesson learnt. And we will continue to improve in our Oil and Gas technology. I know the Obiafu five Gas Well is one of the earliest Well drilled in the late 60s, new technology for oil and gas development will now be introduced in the industry”, Professor Ineh, said.
The Zonal Controller, while commending the company for putting of the gas leak fire incident which lasted for fifty days, called on members of the community to be calm as NAOC, owners of the sabotaged facility, will address the situation that led to the incident.
He said “What is most important to us is how we can remediate the environment back to normal: post incidence, investigation and training. This is an opportunity to assure the community that they will not be left behind because what has happened affects everyone including Nigeria as a country. They should be calm that the company NOAC should be able to address the issue”.
However, an earlier report by Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie indicates that an official of the company said a faceless group has claimed responsibilities for the sabotage of the Obiafu Five Well which happened on the 19th of November 2021.
According to the report, no lives were lost during the fifty days Well Head Fire incident, as no community was anywhere around the facility, but some palm fruit farms were destroyed by the fire.
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