Lagos, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Government has launched emergency relief measures for residents of Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State while intensifying investigations into the cause of the ongoing gas seepage affecting the area.
A federal delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, visited the oil-producing community alongside the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and representatives of oil and gas operators.
Before arriving in Bille, the delegation met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to coordinate the government’s response to the environmental incident.
Governor Fubara assured residents that the Federal Government was working to contain the gas seepage and address the community’s immediate needs.
READ ALSO: NUPRC Workers Begins Indefinite Strike
“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 said.
He also directed the immediate upgrade of the community’s primary healthcare centre to enhance its capacity to respond to health emergencies linked to the incident.
During the visit, the delegation distributed relief materials and pledged additional interventions, including the provision of potable water, expanded medical outreach services, firefighting equipment and support for electricity supply.
The officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring environmental safety and protecting the welfare of affected residents.
Speaking at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, King Ingo Herbert, Minister Ekpo said investigations into the source of the seepage were ongoing.
“We are investigating the root cause of the seepage, and the Federal Government is fully committed to resolving the issue. We will ensure the environment is made safe and properly remediated. We are with you on this,” he said.
Eyesan said the NUPRC had begun preliminary investigations and was working with industry experts to determine the source of the gas seepage using internationally accepted scientific standards.
READ ALSO: Magnus Abe Hails Tinubu For NUPRC Chair Appointment
According to her, the Commission has engaged an international technical firm to conduct comprehensive studies, with field investigations expected to commence before the end of July.
“We have carried out preliminary investigations. However, we are carefully managing the situation to prevent further hazards before any intervention,” she said.
She added that technical specialists from across the oil and gas industry were collaborating with the regulator to ensure a safe and lasting solution while providing regular updates to the affected community.
On immediate intervention measures, Eyesan disclosed that preliminary assessments showed contamination of the community’s first aquifer, necessitating urgent provision of safe drinking water while long-term remediation plans are implemented.
“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,” she said.
Chairman of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, welcomed the government’s intervention but urged authorities to expedite both the investigation and the promised relief measures to enable the community to safely benefit from its oil and gas resources.
