A major gas pipeline linking Escravos and Lagos has been shut down after an explosion disrupted operations in Delta State, prompting the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to open a full investigation.

The incident occurred at about 5:50 p.m. on 10 December near the Tebijor, Okpele and Ikpopo communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom. NNPC said the blast was followed by a sudden drop in pressure along the line, signalling a breach on infrastructure managed by its gas subsidiary, NGIC.

Emergency teams were immediately deployed, and the company confirmed that safety procedures have been activated to protect people living close to the affected corridor. NNPC added that it is working closely with authorities and community leaders to contain any risks and address the environmental impact.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been identified, but engineers are carrying out a detailed assessment to determine what triggered the failure.

The damaged trunk line is a vital part of Nigeria’s gas network and is reported to transport up to 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day.

NNPC assured the public that updates will be provided as soon as investigations progress and repairs begin.