Business
Abia Govt Inspects OML 11 Pipeline Blast In Umuololo Owaza, Demands NPDC Replace 70-Year-Old Pipe
By Izuchukwu Nwokoma
The Abia State Government has carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the pipeline explosion that occurred at Umuololo Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area on Monday, June 22, 2026.
The affected pipeline is part of Oil Mining Lease, OML 11, operated by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC.
The assessment was led by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, alongside the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna.
Speaking during the visit, Ogbonna said the government under Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses while ensuring environmental sustainability and residents’ safety.
He expressed gratitude that the explosion occurred at about 1:30am when vehicular and human movement was minimal. He noted that no lives were lost, although several buildings and properties were severely damaged.
Ogbonna assured affected residents that government was closely monitoring the situation and urged them to remain calm as efforts were being made to address the incident.
In his remarks, Prof. Joel Ogbonna attributed the explosion to equipment failure. He explained that pipelines are expected to be replaced after about 25 years of service, but the affected pipeline had remained in use for over 70 years since it was laid in 1958.
He called on NPDC to immediately commence remediation of the affected area and replace the aging infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.
One of the victims, Chief David Nwogu, lamented the extensive damage to his property. He said the pipeline had not received adequate maintenance over the years, a situation he believes contributed to the incident.
Following the assessment, the commissioners, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, and other officials met with NPDC management to discuss immediate and long-term measures to resolve the problem and prevent recurrence.
The Abia State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, property and the environment while ensuring responsible parties take necessary steps to restore normalcy in the affected community.
