The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has confirmed an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline, occurring at about 5:50 p.m. on December 10, 2025, near Tebijor, Okpele, and Ikpopo communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the national oil company said initial checks showed a pressure drop on a pipeline operated by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), indicating a loss of containment. While the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, NNPC said a detailed investigation has begun to ascertain what happened.
The company emphasised that the safety of communities close to the affected area remains its top priority, adding that environmental protection measures have also been activated.
According to the statement, emergency response teams have been deployed and are collaborating with relevant government agencies and community leaders to contain the incident and minimise impact.
“NNPC Limited remains committed to the highest safety and environmental standards,” the company said, assuring that further information will be released as investigations progress.
The explosion has raised concerns among residents of the Gbaramatu axis, which hosts several oil and gas assets and has previously experienced pipeline-related incidents.
