Olusola Bello
Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Limited (“Aiteo E&P”) has said that the impaired Santa Barbara South Well 01 in its’ OML 29 production area has been successfully brought under control, the flow stopped and the Well secured yesterday, 8 December 2021.
The company said this outcome was achieved against the backdrop of very challenging circumstances exacerbated by the weather.
“The tidal cycle in the creek and the silted slot of the Well resulted in reduced effective working hours. These challenges impact on the timeline of the operation.”
According to a statement from the company, signed by Victor Okoronkwo, Group Managing Director Aiteo E and P, he said, with this successful operation, the company can now confirm that there is no more leakage from the Well.
“It is remarkable that even with the dangers of the high exposure and risk, the entire operation has been executed and delivered with zero incident and zero fatality. The clean-up efforts that were being concurrently executed throughout this period to limit the spread of hydrocarbon will now be comprehensively escalated. To this end, concerted efforts will further be channeled immediately into increasing remediation measures. In prosecuting these remediation activities and in aligning with Aiteo E&P’s strategic priorities to ensure uninterrupted continuation of the living conditions and wellbeing of the communities remains the paramount consideration,” the company stated.
“ This successful milestone is a remarkable testament to the capabilities that exist within indigenous players when faced with incidents of such magnitude, even when unanticipated. Although indigenous participation in the Upstream space is nascent, the efforts evident in the management of this incident, especially the remarkable Aiteo E&P HSE Policy, foretells the progress that has been made in building, growing, and elevating both expertise and technical capabilities by indigenous oil companies such as ours. The professionalism with which the technical and support personnel execute this significant operation cannot be overemphasized, especially, considering the challenging operating terrain.”
It stated that the motivation and inspiration that enabled this accomplishment to happen must receive special and deserved mention.
“We thank the Almighty God without whom none of this would have been possible. Aiteo E&P expresses profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who demonstrated immeasurable and sterling leadership in this matter; the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, Minister for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, and the Chief Executive, NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, for his deft management of this situation. We express our immense appreciation and gratitude to our Senior Joint Venture Partner, NNPC, for standing shoulder to shoulder with us during this period. We also specially thank the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mele Kyari for his exceptional leadership.”