The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission says it has begun investigation into Thursday’s explosion near a pipeline in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, said this on Friday in a press statement he issued.
He said NUPRC began the investigation in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and would provide updates appropriately.
According to Komolafe, the investigation was in line with NUPRC’s statutory regulatory oversight of upstream operations in the oil and gas industry.
He said: “NUPRC wishes to announce that an explosion leading to a major fire incident near a pipeline in Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers on Thursday night has been reported.
“There are speculations about the level of casualties, but the Commission cannot confirm any until after our investigation.”
Komolafe assured that NUPRC would take all necessary measures to ensure that safety and environmental measures were put in place in line with global best practices to safeguard lives and the environment.