The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it is conducting an investigation into the gas bubbling incident within the OML 18 area in Bille Community, Rivers State.
It urged residents to remain calm and await the outcome of the findings.
The Commission empathised with the community and acknowledged the concerns that the unfortunate development has raised in relation to public safety, the environment, and the health of the people.
In a statement signed by the Commission Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NUPRC said that after being notified of the incident, it swiftly activated a coordinated technical investigation process in line with established regulatory protocols to assess the nature and extent of the gas seepage, identify the source and potential cause, and propose immediate and long-term mitigation measures.
It said the investigation is being conducted in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, fact-based outcomes for long-term sustainability.
According to the Commission, preliminary findings indicated that the gas emission may be associated with a subsurface geological activity that could have been triggered by a couple of factors.
It said the “detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are ongoing to determine the contributing factor(s) and possible remedies for prompt implementation.”
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NUPRC assured the Bille Community that once the investigation is concluded, it would take necessary actions to address the situation in line with applicable regulations, industry standards and global best practices.
“Once again, the Commission commiserates with the Bille Community as we work assiduously with all stakeholders to unravel the incident, and enjoins members of the community to maintain the commendable level of responsibility whilst adhering to all safety measures and public health advisories issued by the relevant authorities,” the statement added.
Pinnacle Daily reports that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, recently acknowledged reports of the gas seepage in Bille Community and assured that the Federal Government has taken prompt and coordinated action to investigate and address the situation.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, the minister stated that following reports of the incident, relevant regulatory agencies and operators immediately activated a joint response mechanism to unravel the cause of the incident and address it.
He said the NUPRC and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), in collaboration with operators in the OML 18 area, have conducted joint field investigations to determine the source and nature of the occurrence.
The minister stressed that the safety of host communities, the protection of the environment, and the well-being of residents in oil and gas-producing areas remain paramount to the Federal Government.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
