Trans-Niger pipeline resumes operations after ‘third-party interference’
The Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), a critical infrastructure in Nigeria’s oil transportation system, has resumed operations after a fire broke out on February 17, 2025, due to what authorities have described as “third-party interference.” The fire occurred on a section of the pipeline located along the Bodo-Bonny road in the Gokana local government area of Rivers State, a region that is heavily dependent on the oil industry for both economic and political activities. The incident caused significant concern over the potential environmental consequences and the disruption of crude oil supply to the Bonny export terminal, one of Nigeria’s major oil export hubs. While the pipeline has since resumed operations, the fire’s occurrence amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State has raised questions about the relationship between political dynamics, oil infrastructure, and the challenges of managing critical resources in the Niger Delta.
The Trans-Niger Pipeline plays an essential role in Nigeria’s oil exportation system. Running from the oil fields in the Niger Delta, it transports crude oil to the Bonny export terminal in Rivers State, one of the country’s primary hubs for oil export. The pipeline is strategically important not just for the energy sector but for Nigeria’s economy as a whole, given that oil exports are the largest source of government revenue and foreign exchange.
Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, however, is frequently targeted by vandals, militants, and criminal syndicates, resulting in significant operational disruptions and environmental damage. The frequent shutdowns of major pipelines, like the TNP, underscore the vulnerability of Nigeria’s oil transport network and the ongoing security challenges in the Niger Delta. This region, rich in oil reserves, has been plagued by decades of unrest, with local communities often voicing grievances over environmental degradation, lack of economic opportunities, and the marginalization of indigenous peoples.
Despite these challenges, the Trans-Niger Pipeline has remained a backbone of the Nigerian oil export infrastructure. Its safety and operational status are of paramount importance, not only for the energy sector but also for the stability of the broader Nigerian economy.
On the night of February 17, a fire erupted on a segment of the TNP near the Bodo-Bonny road in Rivers State. The fire, which was visible in videos circulating on social media, sent large plumes of smoke and flames into the sky, igniting widespread concern about the cause of the blaze and its consequences. Local residents and environmentalists immediately voiced fears that the fire could lead to serious environmental damage, including oil spills, air pollution, and contamination of water sources, which are already a common consequence of pipeline-related incidents in the Niger Delta.
The fire prompted an immediate response from both the pipeline’s operators and the Nigerian government. The Trans-Niger Pipeline was shut down temporarily to contain the situation and prevent further damage. A detailed investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fire, and it was soon reported that the incident resulted from what was described as “third-party interference.” This phrase is often used in Nigeria’s oil industry to refer to deliberate acts of sabotage or vandalism, though it can also be associated with criminal activity or acts of aggression by non-state actors.
The term “third-party interference” raised immediate questions about who might have been responsible for the attack. In a region where militant groups, criminal gangs, and even local communities have clashed with the government and oil companies, the term could refer to a wide range of possible perpetrators. Some speculated that the fire could have been caused by militant groups targeting the pipeline as part of their ongoing campaign against the federal government and oil companies. Others pointed to the possibility of local political actors seeking to make a statement amid escalating tensions in the state.
Following the temporary shutdown of the pipeline, Tony Okonedo, a spokesperson for Renaissance Group—the company responsible for managing the TNP—confirmed that operations had resumed by Wednesday, February 19, 2025. He provided reassurances that the fire had been contained and that necessary repairs had been carried out. In his statement, Okonedo explained that operations were initially suspended to respond to the interference, but now, after addressing the situation, the pipeline had been restored to normal functioning.
“Operations have resumed. We previously suspended operations to respond to a third-party interference, but now we have resumed,” Okonedo said.
The statement from Renaissance Group emphasized the importance of the TNP to the energy supply chain and the company’s commitment to ensuring that the pipeline was back online as quickly as possible. The company’s ability to restore operations within a short period was crucial for minimizing the economic impact of the disruption. Given that Nigeria’s oil export sector is a major source of national revenue, any prolonged interruption in the supply of crude oil to export terminals could have serious repercussions for both the government’s budget and the livelihoods of individuals working in the industry.
Despite the resumption of operations, the incident raised concerns about the vulnerability of the pipeline system and the need for enhanced security measures to protect vital infrastructure in the Niger Delta. The fire on the Trans-Niger Pipeline is the latest in a series of attacks on Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, many of which have been blamed on various groups seeking to draw attention to their grievances or to profit from illegal activities such as oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The timing of the fire and the subsequent political fallout has added a layer of complexity to the situation. On the same day as the fire, political tensions in Rivers State were escalating. In a move that has been interpreted as part of an ongoing struggle for political control in the state, lawmakers aligned with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), initiated impeachment proceedings against Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State. The power struggle between factions aligned with Wike and Fubara has been brewing for months, with both sides vying for influence in the state’s political landscape.
In response to this crisis, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. This declaration effectively suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly, signaling the federal government’s intervention in the state’s political turmoil. As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, to oversee the administration of the state and restore order.
The political crisis in Rivers State has raised questions about the broader implications of political instability for Nigeria’s oil industry. Given that Rivers is one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing states, any disruption to the political order there could have significant consequences for the operation of the oil sector. The resumption of operations on the TNP came at a critical moment, as it was clear that maintaining stability in the state’s oil infrastructure would be vital for the national economy and for the political interests of both local and federal actors.
The intersection of politics and oil in the Niger Delta has long been a source of tension, both in terms of economic competition and social unrest. Local communities in the region, particularly those in Rivers State, have frequently protested the environmental degradation caused by oil extraction, as well as the lack of development and benefits derived from the region’s vast oil wealth. Despite the billions of dollars generated by the oil industry, the Niger Delta remains one of Nigeria’s poorest regions, with widespread poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural deficits.
Militant groups, including the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), have historically carried out attacks on oil infrastructure to demand greater control over local resources and a more equitable distribution of the oil wealth. These attacks have targeted pipelines, oil platforms, and other key installations, causing significant environmental damage and disrupting Nigeria’s oil production.
Moreover, the political landscape in Rivers State has been deeply shaped by the competition for control over oil revenues and the patronage networks that accompany them. Political leaders in the state have often used the oil industry as both a source of personal enrichment and a tool for maintaining political power. The ongoing power struggle between factions in Rivers State is reflective of the broader contest for control over Nigeria’s oil resources, with political actors seeking to leverage their influence in the region for both personal and partisan gain.
The resumption of operations on the Trans-Niger Pipeline after the fire on February 17 highlights the vulnerability of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and the broader challenges of ensuring the security and stability of the country’s oil export network. While the pipeline has resumed operation, the fire serves as a reminder of the constant threats posed by sabotage, vandalism, and political instability. The situation also underscores the ongoing tension between the demands of local communities, the interests of political elites, and the economic imperatives of the national government.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for robust security measures, improved community relations, and effective governance will be essential for safeguarding the country’s oil infrastructure and ensuring that the benefits of oil wealth are more equitably distributed. The incident also serves as a reminder that the future of Nigeria’s oil industry will depend not only on technological advancements and investment in infrastructure but also on the resolution of the deep-rooted political and social conflicts that have long plagued the Niger Delta region.
