Africa News
Shell's main Nigeria oil facility back online after militant attack
Jun 25, 2008, 13:20 GMT
Nairobi/Abuja - Royal Dutch Shell has resumed oil production at its main Nigerian offshore facility after a six-day shutdown forced by a militant attack, reports said Wednesday.
Shell last Thursday closed down production at the offshore Bonga field after militants from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) attempted to destroy the control room.
The closing of the Bonga field, which can produce 225,000 barrels per day, cut the West African nation's capacity by around 10 per cent.
Shell had said that the facility would stay closed for longer than anticipated because the staff were in shock, but the BBC reported that production was now back online.
Militant attacks have cut production in Nigeria by almost a quarter since the beginning of the year, contributing to sky-rocketing global oil prices.
MEND, however, has called a ceasefire after promising elders it would give dialogue another chance.
The militant group wants a bigger say in oil exploitation in the area.
Nigeria is Africa's second-largest oil producer, but in spite of its oil wealth, the majority of Nigerians live on a pittance.
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