FG Visits Bille Community Over Gas Seepage, Offers Relief to Residents
A Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resou rces (Gas), Senator Ekperike Ekpo; on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 visited Bille Comm unity of Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, providing immediate human itarian support and promising a comprehensive solution to the ongoing gas seepa ge.
The delegation which included the Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstrea m Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan; and oil and gas operators, visited the Rivers State Governor before proceeding to Bille co mmunity.
In his remarks, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, commended the collaborative respons e of the government, assuring the community that their concerns would receive ur gent attention.
“The Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the gas seep age is brought under control. The requests for potable water, healthcare and firefi ghting support have been noted and will be addressed,” Governor Fubara said.
The governor further directed an immediate upgrade of the primary healthcare faci lity in the community to meet medical emergencies resulting from the gas seepage.
The delegation subsequently proceeded to Bille community, where relief items wer e delivered. They also promised to provide potable water, intensive medical outrea ch and consumables, additional firefighting equipment and support for power sup ply, while reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Government and the industry to restoring environmental safety and protecting the welfare of affected residents.
Speaking at the place of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, HRM Ingo Herbert, the minister said, “Investigation into the root cause is ongoing, and the Federal Govern ment is fully committed to resolving the issue. We will ensure the environment is safe and properly remediated. We are with you on this.”
In her remarks, the NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs. Eyesan, reaffirmed the Commissi on’s determination to identifying the source of the seepage through a scientifically comprehensive investigation while ensuring that emergency humanitarian needs ar e addressed without delay.
“We have carried out preliminary investigations. However, we are carefully managin g the situation to prevent further hazards before any intervention. We have engage d an international firm to undertake the final studies, with fieldwork expected to co mmence before the end of July,” she said.
While commending the residents for their understanding, the NUPRC boss disclos ed that technical experts from across the oil and gas sector are working jointly wit h the Commission to resolve the crisis.
She assured the community that the Commission would provide regular updates on the investigation.
On immediate relief measures, the CCE said, “Our assessment indicates that the fir st aquifer has been contaminated, and while we work towards a sustainable long-t erm solution, we will provide potable water as quickly as possible.”
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While seeking a quick solution to the seepage, the Chairman, Bille Council of Chief s, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, asked the government to fulfil its promises quickly so th e community could fully reap the benefits of its oil and gas resources.
Eniola Akinkuotu
Head, Media and Corporate Communications
