A Federal Government delegation has visited the Bille community in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State following a gas seepage incident, delivering immediate humanitarian aid and promising a comprehensive technical solution to the environmental crisis. The delegation, led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Commission …
Gas Seepage: FG Promises Clean Water, Infrastructure Upgrade for Rivers Community
A Federal Government delegation has visited the Bille community in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State following a gas seepage incident, delivering immediate humanitarian aid and promising a comprehensive technical solution to the environmental crisis.
The delegation, led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, arrived in the state on Wednesday to assess the situation firsthand.
Government Pledges Emergency Healthcare and Support
According to a statement by the NUPRC spokesperson, Eniola Akinkuotu, the delegation had before moving to the affected community, met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
While receiving the delegation, Governor Fubara commended the swift, collaborative response of the federal authorities and the oil and gas operators.
“The Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the gas seepage is brought under control,” Governor Fubara assured.
“The requests for potable water, healthcare, and firefighting support have been noted and will be addressed,” he added.
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In a proactive move to safeguard public health, the Governor directed an immediate upgrade of Bille’s primary healthcare facility to handle potential medical emergencies arising from the gas leak.
Clean Water and Technical Studies on the Horizon
At the palace of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, HRM Ingo Herbert, Senator Ekpo re-emphasised the Federal Government’s solidarity with the locals, stating that an investigation into the root cause of the seepage is actively ongoing.
“We will ensure the environment is safe and properly remediated. We are with you on this,” the Minister declared.
Addressing the critical environmental fallout, NUPRC Chief Executive Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan revealed that preliminary assessments indicate the community’s first aquifer has been contaminated.
To combat this, the federal government has committed to trucking in potable water immediately while working on a long-term fix.
Mrs. Eyesan further disclosed that the NUPRC is partnering with technical experts from across the oil and gas sector and has retained an international firm to spearhead a final scientific study.
On his part, Chairman, Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, called on the government to urgently fulfil its promises so the community could fully reap the benefits of its oil and gas resources.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
