The Nigerian government has promised rapid humanitarian aid and a lasting remedy for the Bille Community in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, following an ongoing gas leak. A delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekperikpe Ekpo, visited the affected area alongside the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.
As part of the relief effort, the government is providing clean water, enhanced medical services, fire safety equipment, and improved power supply. Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State met with the federal officials and directed that the local primary healthcare center be upgraded immediately to manage health issues stemming from the gas incident.
Senator Ekpo confirmed that an investigation into the source of the seepage is active, with a primary focus on environmental restoration. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan noted that while initial assessments identified contamination in the local aquifer, the NUPRC is proceeding cautiously with an international firm to perform scientific fieldwork by the end of July. This measured approach aims to mitigate further risks while engineers work to resolve the underlying cause of the leak.
Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, representing the Bille Council of Chiefs, expressed gratitude for the government’s response but emphasized the need for these commitments to be carried out swiftly to restore the community’s well-being.
