Nigeria reported 589 oil spills in 2024, spilling an estimated 19,000 barrels of crude oil, according to data from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). The figure, equivalent to 3 million liters or 95 tanker trucks, marks a 49.3% decline from 1,162 spills in 2023.
Despite the reduction, sabotage and oil theft remained the leading causes, accounting for 471 incidents. Operational challenges contributed to 100 spills. The first half of 2024 saw an average of 53.6 spills monthly, dropping to 24.8 in the second half, suggesting reduced theft attempts.
NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye described 2024 as a turning point in the fight against oil theft. “Over 3,000 illegal refineries were dismantled, a truly astounding achievement,” Soneye told Reuters. He credited the progress to collaborations with security agencies, private firms, and local communities.
Companies with Highest Spills
The Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) led with 185 spills, followed by Shell Petroleum Development Company with 169. Others included NNPC E&P Limited (41 spills) and Heirs Energies Limited (40). Chevron and Mobil reported fewer incidents with 12 and 27 spills, respectively.
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Environmental experts expressed concern over the persistence of oil spills, which continue to devastate the Niger Delta. Host communities suffer polluted farmlands and fishing waters, while oil companies face lawsuits and revenue losses.
Categorization of Spills
Of the 589 spills, one was categorized as “major,” involving over 2,500 barrels spilled on land or water. Ten were labeled “medium,” and 285 as “minor,” with 229 of these involving less than 10 barrels.
An alarming 261 spills had no estimated volume reported, and 45 sites were left uninspected by joint investigation teams. Unverified spills fell sharply from 608 in 2023 to 281 in 2024.
A Legacy of Pollution
Oil spills have plagued the Niger Delta for decades, with communities pushing for compensation and environmental restoration. The federal government’s Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), launched in 2012, has made little progress, critics say.
“The spills not only destroy the environment but also livelihoods,” said environmental activist Dr. Ada Eze. “We need a more coordinated approach to clean up and prevent these disasters.”
NNPCL insists the campaign against oil theft is delivering results. Soneye highlighted enhanced security in oil-producing regions, stating, “There is light at the end of the tunnel.” However, he admitted the battle is far from over.
