A federal government delegation visited the Bille community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, providing immediate humanitarian support to residents and promising a comprehensive solution to the ongoing gas seepage. The visit was led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, according to a statement by Eniola Akinkuotu, head of media and corporate communications at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on Thursday in Abuja.
Delegation Includes NUPRC Chief, Oil Operators
Mr. Akinkuotu said the delegation included the Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and oil and gas operators. The team visited Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Bille community. The statement quoted Governor Fubara as commending the government’s collaborative response and assuring the community that their concerns would receive urgent attention.
“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,” Mr. Fubara said. The governor directed an immediate upgrade of the primary healthcare facility in the community to meet medical emergencies resulting from the gas seepage.
Relief Items Delivered
The delegation proceeded to the Bille community and delivered relief items to residents. Mr. Ekpo pledged the government’s commitment to provide potable water, intensive medical outreach and consumables, additional firefighting equipment, and support for power supply. He reaffirmed the government’s and industry’s commitment to restoring environmental safety to protect the well-being of the affected population.
Speaking at the palace of the Amanyanabo of the Bille Kingdom, Ingo Herbert, the minister said an investigation into the root cause of the seepage was ongoing. Mr. Ekpo said the federal government was fully committed to resolving the issue to ensure the environment is safe and properly remediated.
NUPRC Vows Scientific Investigation
The statement also quoted Ms. Eyesan as reaffirming the NUPRC’s commitment to identify the source of the seepage through a scientifically comprehensive investigation. She said emergency humanitarian needs would be addressed without delay.
“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 in the statement.
While commending the residents for their understanding, Ms. Eyesan disclosed that technical experts from across the oil and gas sector were working jointly with the commission to resolve the crisis. She assured that the commission would provide regular updates on the investigation.
Contaminated Aquifer Prompts Water Supply Plan
On immediate relief measures, Ms. Eyesan said the assessment indicated that the first aquifer had been contaminated. “While we work towards a sustainable long-term solution, we will provide potable water as quickly as possible,” she added.
Alabo Dokubo, chairman of the Bille Council of Chiefs, called for a quick solution to the seepage. He urged the government to fulfill its promises quickly so that the community could fully reap the benefits of its oil and gas resources.
