The Federal Government has confirmed that the first aquifer in Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, has been contaminated following the ongoing gas seepage in the area, as it rolls out emergency relief measures for affected residents.
A Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, visited the riverine community with humanitarian assistance and assurances of a long-term solution to the environmental crisis.
The delegation, which included the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and representatives of oil and gas operators, first paid a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, before proceeding to Bille Community.
Speaking during the visit, Eyesan disclosed that preliminary investigations had confirmed contamination of the community’s first aquifer, making the provision of potable water an immediate priority.
“Our assessment indicates that the first aquifer has been contaminated, and while we work towards a sustainable long-term solution, we will provide potable water as quickly as possible,” she said.
Eyesan added that the commission had engaged an international firm to conduct detailed scientific studies to determine the source of the seepage, with field investigations expected to commence before the end of July.
“We have carried out preliminary investigations. However, we are carefully managing the situation to prevent further hazards before any intervention,” she added.
According to her, technical experts from across the oil and gas industry are collaborating with the commission to resolve the crisis, while regular updates will be provided to the affected community.
Governor Fubara commended the collaborative intervention by the Federal Government and industry operators, assuring residents that their concerns would receive urgent attention.
“The Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the gas seepage is brought under control. The requests for potable water, healthcare and firefighting support have been noted and will be addressed,” he said.
The governor also directed the immediate upgrade of the community’s primary healthcare centre to cater to medical emergencies arising from the incident.
Addressing the traditional ruler and residents at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, HRM Ingo Herbert, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekpo, assured the community that the government would not relent until the source of the seepage was identified and the environment restored.
“Investigations into the root cause are ongoing, and the Federal Government is fully committed to resolving the issue. We will ensure the environment is safe and properly remediated. We are with you on this,” he said.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications at the NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Federal Government delegation also delivered relief materials to the community and promised additional support, including potable water, medical outreach services, firefighting equipment and improved electricity supply.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, urged the government to fast-track intervention efforts to enable the community to fully benefit from its oil and gas resources.
