Explosion reported at major oil pipeline in Nigeria

|Published 1:50 PM ET, Tuesday March 18, 2025|

YENAGOA, Nigeria:  An explosion occurred on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Rivers State, Nigeria, on March 17, 2025, posing a significant threat to the nation’s oil production. The TNP, spanning approximately 180 kilometers, is one of Nigeria’s largest oil pipelines and has the capacity to transport over 450,000 barrels of crude oil per day to export terminals, notably the Bonny Export Terminal. ​

The incident took place near the Bodo community, with witnesses reporting a loud blast followed by intense heat and flames. The explosion sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky, visible from miles away. While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, authorities have arrested two individuals for questioning. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Renaissance Africa Energy, who recently acquired the asset from Shell, are collaborating on the investigation. ​

This explosion exacerbates existing challenges in Nigeria’s oil sector. In February, the country’s crude oil production declined to 1.47 million barrels per day, falling short of both the OPEC quota of 1.5 million bpd and the government’s budgetary projection of over 2 million bpd. The TNP incident threatens to further reduce output, impacting national revenue and economic stability. ​

Historically, Nigeria has faced numerous pipeline explosions, often resulting from oil theft, pipeline vandalism, or inadequate maintenance. These incidents have led to significant environmental damage, loss of lives, and economic setbacks.

The recent explosion underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures, infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement to protect vital oil assets and ensure the safety of local populations.