ABUJA, Nigeria — The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has assured residents of Bille Community in Rivers State that urgent and scientifically driven steps are underway to identify and resolve the ongoing gas seepage.
Her assurance followed a Federal Government visit to the affected community led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperike Ekpo, alongside NUPRC officials and industry operators. The development was contained in a statement signed by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head, Media and Corporate Communications.
Eyesan said the Commission has already conducted preliminary investigations and is taking a cautious approach to prevent escalation of risks before any major intervention.
“We have carried out preliminary investigations. However, we are carefully managing the situation to prevent further hazards before any intervention. We have engaged an international firm to undertake the final studies, with fieldwork expected to commence before the end of July,” she said.
She emphasised that the Commission is combining technical expertise with immediate humanitarian response to protect residents while pursuing a long-term solution.
According to her, NUPRC is collaborating with experts across the oil and gas sector to determine the exact source of the seepage and ensure effective remediation.
Eyesan also assured the community of transparency in the process, noting that the Commission would provide regular updates as investigations progress.
The Federal Government delegation, which included key regulators and industry stakeholders, visited the Rivers State Government before proceeding to Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area, where concerns over environmental and health impacts have intensified.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara commended the coordinated response and assured residents that their concerns would receive urgent attention as efforts continue to address the crisis.
