The Nigerian Senate has tasked its Committees on Petroleum Upstream, Downstream, Gas, Niger Delta Affairs, Health, and Environment with probing a recent gas pipeline explosion in Bayelsa State.
This decision follows the upper chamber’s adoption of a motion titled, ‘Massive Explosion Close to Gbarian-Ubie Gas Processing Facility in Yenagoa Local Council, Bayelsa State, and pollution of the environment: The Need for Urgent Action,’ sponsored by Benson Friday Konbowei (PDP, Bayelsa Central).
News Central TV reported that on May 14, an explosion, followed by a destructive fire erupted along a gas pipeline situated north of Yenagoa, close to the Tombia-Amassoma road in Bayelsa State.
Konbowei spotlighted the significance of the Gbarain-Ubie gas processing facility, stressing its role in processing about two billion standard cubic feet of gas daily and supplying gas to the Bonny Terminal for export.
He expressed concern over the recent explosions near the facility, which has posed a threat to its operations and caused panic among residents.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has criticised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Julius Berger Plc for their non-compliance with legislative invitations.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu ordered the House to convey its dissatisfaction to the management of both organisations and invited them to a meeting with the House leadership to address issues raised against them.