Incident at NLNG Plant Site (Statement I)
Nigeria LNG Limited confirms that there has been an incident involving demonstration by residents of the host community around the plant and residential areas.
Situation report of the incident, which began on Monday morning of 20th September 1999, is as follows:
- The roundabout at the Bonny/Finima/Plant node was blocked by a crowd of several hundred demonstrators who tried to gain access to the plant. Several scaled the fence but were ejected;
- The Gate House of the Plant Site was broken and ransacked by the demonstrators;
- Company staffers on duty were successfully evacuated into the control room for their safety and so far, there has been no effect on Production;
- In the Residential Area, the demonstrators attacked the Gate House with stones and sticks leading to some damage in the Gate House of the Residential Area as well;
- The Residential Area has been secured and Company staff and their families in the area are safe;
- The Residential Area of the contractor, TSKJ has also been attacked and damaged.
It will be recalled that production of Liquefied Natural Gas started at the plant last week, preparatory to export of the first cargo on the 1st of October 1999. It is still planned that we shall have a hitch-free commencement of export through the lifting of the 1st Cargo and safe departure of LNG Lagos will occur on October 1st 1999.
Necessary action is being initiated through dialogue with representatives of the community, the Rivers State Government and Federal Government security services to ensure that the situation returns to normal.
We shall keep you updated on further developments as soon as possible.
Andrew Jamieson
Managing Director/Chief Executive
September 20, 1999
