The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has launched an urgent investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille Community, Rivers State, raising fresh concerns over environmental safety and public health in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.

The commission, in a statement signed by its Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, on Thursday, said it had activated a coordinated technical response immediately after being notified of the development.

The regulator expressed concern over the incident, assuring residents that all necessary steps were being taken to determine the cause and mitigate potential risks.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (“the Commission”) is deeply concerned about the gas bubbling incident in Bille Community, Rivers State, and wishes to assure the community and the public of its utmost commitment to coordinating industry efforts to address the situation.

“The commission empathises with the community and acknowledges the concerns that this unsavoury development has raised in relation to public safety, the environment, and the health of the populace. The overall well-being of our communities and the protection of the environment remain paramount to the commission, as they are to government.”

According to the commission, a comprehensive investigation is currently underway, involving multiple stakeholders and technical experts, in line with established regulatory protocols.

“Upon notification of the incident, the commission activated a coordinated technical investigation process in line with established regulatory protocols to assess the nature and extent of the gas seepage, identify source(s) and potential cause(s), and propose immediate and long-term mitigation measures.

“The investigative study is being conducted in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, fact-based outcomes for long-term sustainability,” Eyesan stated.

Preliminary findings, the regulator noted, suggest that the phenomenon may be linked to underground geological processes, although further analysis is ongoing.

“Preliminary deductions and field observations indicate that the gas bubbling may be associated with a subsurface phenomenon that could be linked to a variety of triggers.

“Detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are ongoing to determine the contributing factor(s) and possible remedies for prompt implementation,” the statement added.

The commission assured that all actions taken would align with global industry standards and regulatory frameworks.

“The commission assures the Bille Community of its resolve to ensure that necessary actions required to address the situation are taken in line with applicable regulations, industry standards and global best practices,” it said.

Residents of Bille community were also urged to remain calm and adhere strictly to safety directives while investigations continue.

“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 commission concluded.

The latest incident adds to a growing list of environmental challenges in the Niger Delta, a region that has long grappled with oil spills, gas leaks, and other hydrocarbon-related hazards linked to decades of exploration and production activities.

Communities in Rivers State and other oil-producing areas have repeatedly raised concerns over unexplained gas emissions and pollution, often calling for stricter regulatory oversight and faster response from operators and government agencies.

Gas seepage incidents, though less common than oil spills, can pose significant risks, including fire hazards, groundwater contamination, and adverse health effects if not promptly contained.

Experts note that such occurrences may arise from natural geological pressures, ageing infrastructure, or legacy oilfield operations, making thorough investigation critical to preventing escalation.

The NUPRC’s intervention comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to strengthen environmental governance in the upstream sector, following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, which mandates stricter compliance with safety and environmental standards.

As investigations continue, stakeholders say the outcome will be crucial in determining both the immediate response and long-term measures needed to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the fragile ecosystem of the Niger Delta. (The PUNCH)

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