The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) led the federal response after gas seepage affected the Bille community in Degema LGA, Rivers. NUPRC CEO Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan was joined by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo and industry representatives on a Wednesday visit to Bille to assess the situation and coordinate action.
Eyesan said the commission has begun preliminary investigations and is carefully managing the site to avoid aggravating hazards before intervening. She explained that technical experts across the oil and gas sector are assisting the NUPRC and that an international firm has been contracted to carry out final studies, with fieldwork expected to start before the end of July. Early assessments indicate the community’s first aquifer has been contaminated; the commission pledged to supply potable water rapidly while working toward a long-term solution. Eyesan also promised to keep residents updated on progress.
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who praised the coordinated federal, regulatory and industry response and assured residents the seepage would be addressed. Fubara noted requests for potable water, healthcare and firefighting support and ordered an immediate upgrade of the community’s primary healthcare centre.
At the Amanyanabo’s palace, federal representatives distributed relief items and pledged medical outreach, consumables, additional firefighting equipment, support for electricity supply and a potable water provision. Bille council chairman Alabo Dokubo urged the government and regulators to promptly fulfill their commitments so the community can benefit from its oil and gas resources.
