- An explosion occurred on the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Rivers State, causing a massive fire as the country raised its oil production and exports.
- Sabotage is suspected due to recent militant threats in the region, but the cause of the explosion has yet to be confirmed.
A powerful explosion struck the Trans-Niger Pipeline on Monday night, March 17, setting off a massive fire in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The blast hit one of Nigeria’s largest crude oil pipelines just as the country had begun increasing production and exports.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. Investigators are considering vandalism, theft, or an operational incident. However, speculation is growing that the blast may have been an act of sabotage.
Recent threats from militant groups in Rivers State have raised concerns, with the groups warning of attacks on oil infrastructure amid a political dispute between the state and the federal government over revenue allocation.
The Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), transports crude oil from fields in Rivers and Bayelsa states to the Bonny export terminal. This terminal handles Bonny Light, one of Nigeria’s premium crude oil grades.
The explosion comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s oil industry. The country has recently increased crude oil production after years of struggling to meet its OPEC+ quota due to theft, vandalism, and project delays.
In February 2025, Nigeria is estimated to have exceeded its production target, driven by higher exports and growing demand from the Dangote refinery.
Oil theft and pipeline attacks have long troubled Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, forcing major companies to withdraw. These security threats have frequently led to disruptions at key export terminals, further impacting the nation’s oil revenues.