ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has stepped up emergency response efforts in Bille Community, Rivers State, following a gas seepage incident, deploying relief materials and pledging a comprehensive investigation to address the environmental hazard.
A delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperike Ekpo, visited the affected community in Degema Local Government Area on Wednesday, alongside the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and oil and gas operators. The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head, Media and Corporate Communications.
During the visit, the government delivered humanitarian support and assured residents of immediate and long-term interventions, including potable water supply, medical outreach, firefighting support and power assistance.
“Investigation into the root cause is ongoing, and the Federal Government is fully committed to resolving the issue. We will ensure the environment is safe and properly remediated,” Ekpo said.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who received the delegation earlier, said urgent measures were being taken to address the situation.
“The Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the gas seepage is brought under control. The requests for potable water, healthcare and firefighting support have been noted and will be addressed,” Fubara stated, directing an immediate upgrade of the community’s primary healthcare facility.
The NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said a comprehensive scientific investigation was underway to determine the source of the seepage, with an international firm engaged to carry out detailed studies.
“We have carried out preliminary investigations… We have engaged an international firm to undertake the final studies, with fieldwork expected to commence before the end of July,” she said.
Eyesan added that initial findings indicate contamination of the first aquifer, necessitating urgent provision of potable water while long-term remediation plans are developed.
Community leaders welcomed the intervention but urged swift action. Chairman of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, called on authorities to expedite solutions to enable residents fully benefit from the region’s oil and gas resources.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring environmental safety and protecting livelihoods, as joint efforts continue between regulators, industry players and technical experts to resolve the crisis.
