Bodo, Nigeria – A large explosion hit the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) late Monday night. The blast occurred near Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Cause Remains Unknown
The explosion happened close to the Bodo-Bonny Road. Flames shot into the sky. A local source confirmed the affected pipeline section is still burning. The cause is unknown. Speculation exists about a possible accident or sabotage. Militant groups recently issued threats. The threats relate to the Federal Government withholding Rivers State’s funds. An industry expert said human interference is unclear. The TNP is a key crude oil transport route for Nigeria. The pipeline supplies oil to the Bonny export terminal. Environmentalists worry about the fire’s impact. Government authorities have not yet issued a statement.
[…] “This bill, if enacted, will disproportionately affect developing countries that rely heavily on diaspora remittances,” warned economic analyst Thomas Eke. For Nigeria, the hit could be staggering: an estimated loss of around $215 million each year. This is a serious blow for an economy already grappling with foreign exchange difficulties. The proposed US remittance tax is, therefore, a major point of concern. […]