The House of Representatives Committee on South-South Development Commission is pushing for rapid intervention regarding persistent gas leaks in the Bille community, Rivers State, and oil spills impacting the Odidi Federated Community, Delta State. Committee Chairman, Hon. Julius Pondi, emphasized that these regions require decisive action rather than prolonged investigative processes. Pondi noted that the Bille crisis has persisted for approximately nine months, causing significant damage to the local fishing economy, food security, and education.
During a legislative hearing in Abuja, Dr. Yusuf Rigasa of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) confirmed that air, groundwater, and surface water in Bille are polluted. Tests revealed high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide, methane, and other volatile organic compounds. While NOSDRA identified the seepage as likely biogenic, officials have struggled to link the pollution to specific oil operators, as no infrastructure was found at the immediate leakage sites. Reservoir surveys are ongoing to determine if a deeper hydrocarbon source is responsible.
Chief Luckyman Egbila, speaking for the Bille Kingdom Chiefs Council, described the dire conditions facing residents since the leaks began in November 2025. With mangrove areas bubbling and local water sources contaminated, the community faces severe health risks and the abandonment of local schools. Despite some palliative support from the Rivers State government, residents lack access to safe drinking water and adequate healthcare.
Pondi stressed that the committee intends to maintain oversight to ensure accountability from regulators and operators. He stated that the Niger Delta cannot continue to pay the price of resource extraction with the health and future of its citizens. The committee has demanded concrete timelines and firm commitments from all stakeholders to remediate the damage and permanently resolve these environmental hazards.
