FG promises lasting solution to gas leak in Rivers community

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The Federal Government on Wednesday moved to calm growing fears in Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, following the persistent gas seepage in the area, with officials promising immediate humanitarian assistance and a comprehensive solution to the environmental crisis.

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Leading a high-powered delegation to the riverine community was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, alongside the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and representatives of oil and gas companies operating in the region.

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A statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications at the NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu, said the delegation first paid a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, before proceeding to the affected community.

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The visit comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the gas seepage on the health and livelihoods of residents, with reports indicating that underground water sources have been contaminated.

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The PUNCH reports that the Federal Government’s latest visit to the community marks an escalation of efforts that began in March, when the NUPRC first launched investigations into the mysterious gas bubbling incident that raised fears over environmental safety, groundwater contamination and public health in the oil-producing community.

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The statement read, “A Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperike Ekpo; on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 visited Bille Community of Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, providing immediate humanitarian support and promising a comprehensive solution to the ongoing gas seepage.

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“The delegation which included the Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan; and oil and gas operators, visited the Rivers State Governor before proceeding to Bille community.”

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Receiving the delegation, Governor Siminalayi Fubara commended the swift collaboration between the Federal Government, the regulator and industry operators, saying authorities were determined to address the concerns of the affected residents.

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“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,” the governor stated.

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Fubara also directed the immediate upgrade of the community’s primary healthcare centre to enable it respond effectively to medical emergencies arising from the environmental incident.

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The delegation thereafter travelled to Bille Community, where it delivered relief materials and pledged additional support, including the provision of potable water, intensive medical outreach programmes, medical consumables, firefighting equipment and support for electricity supply.

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Addressing residents at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, HRM Ingo Herbert, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) assured the community that the Federal Government would remain actively involved until the crisis is resolved.

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“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. We are with you on this,” Ekpo said.

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Also speaking, Eyesan reiterated the commitment of the NUPRC to a scientific and transparent investigation into the source of the seepage.

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According to her, the commission had already conducted preliminary investigations but was proceeding cautiously to avoid worsening the situation.

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“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.

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She added that technical experts from across the oil and gas industry had been mobilised to support the commission’s efforts.

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The NUPRC boss disclosed that preliminary findings had shown that one of the underground water sources in the area had been affected by the incident.

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“We appreciate the understanding and patience of the people of Bille. Our assessment indicates that the first aquifer has been contaminated, and while we work towards a sustainable long-term solution, we will provide potable water as quickly as possible,” Eyesan said.

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Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chairman of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, urged the government to ensure that its promises translate into concrete actions.

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He said the community had borne the burden of oil and gas exploration for decades and deserved urgent intervention.

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The PUNCH reports that concerns over the gas seepage in Bille Community have intensified in recent weeks following fears of possible environmental contamination and health implications for residents.

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The latest intervention by the Federal Government comes amid renewed scrutiny of environmental management practices in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities and increasing calls for operators and regulators to respond more swiftly to ecological emergencies in the Niger Delta.

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