RismadarVoice Reporters
March 16, 2026
The Federal Government has commenced investigations into reports of gas seepage and bubbling observed in parts of Bille Community within the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 corridor in Rivers State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesman to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who assured residents that authorities had taken prompt and coordinated action to address the situation.
According to the statement, residents of Bille and neighbouring communities had raised concerns over unusual bubbling in nearby water bodies, prompting regulatory agencies and operators in the area to activate a joint response mechanism.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), alongside oil and gas operators within the OML 18 area, have since carried out two separate joint investigation visits to the affected locations. Samples collected during the inspections have been forwarded for laboratory analysis.
Preliminary assessments, the government said, have not established any direct link between the bubbling and oil pollution, pipeline leakage, or operational failures within existing oil and gas infrastructure. However, officials noted that final laboratory results are being awaited to determine the exact cause of the phenomenon.
To strengthen the response, the Minister has directed the NUPRC to intensify technical investigations, conduct additional site visits, and maintain continuous monitoring of the affected areas.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, safety of host communities, and responsible petroleum operations, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with regulatory authorities conducting ongoing field assessments.
Authorities assured that appropriate remedial measures would be taken promptly once the source and nature of the gas seepage are fully established.
