An oil spill has been reported at the Shell loading terminal in Nigeria's Delta region following a pipeline rupture on Saturday. The incident, which occurred at the Bonny terminal, has triggered an emergency response by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other key stakeholders. The spill has reportedly spread to the shoreline, raising concerns about its environmental impact.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) confirmed the spill on Sunday, stating that it was actively monitoring the situation. Authorities have assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to contain and mitigate the effects of the spill. In a statement, NIMASA urged residents to remain calm and emphasized the agency's commitment to restoring affected areas.

"We are working in close collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other relevant partners to assess the full extent of the spill and coordinate follow-up actions," NIMASA said in a statement.

Shell Petroleum, the operator of the terminal, quickly responded to the crisis by shutting down the affected pipeline. In addition to halting the flow of oil, the company deployed containment booms around the affected area to prevent further spread of the spill and protect nearby communities from additional environmental damage.

NIMASA has stated that it is coordinating with local authorities, environmental experts, and other stakeholders to assess the environmental impact and determine next steps. Cleanup efforts are expected to intensify in the coming days as the full scale of the spill becomes clearer.

Oil spills are a recurring issue in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta region, where aging infrastructure, illegal tapping of pipelines, and environmental mismanagement have contributed to frequent incidents. Despite ongoing efforts to improve safety and environmental oversight, oil spills continue to pose significant challenges to both the local population and the environment.