•Offers relief materials to residents
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
A federal government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo has visited Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, promising a comprehensive solution to the ongoing gas seepage in the area.
The delegation which included the Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, as well as oil and gas operators, also visited the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, before proceeding to the community, where they provided immediate humanitarian support.
In his remarks, Fubara, according to a statement by the NUPRC Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, commended the collaborative response of the government, assuring the community 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,” Fubara said.
The governor further directed an immediate upgrade of the primary healthcare facility in the community to meet medical emergencies resulting from the gas seepage.
The delegation subsequently proceeded to Bille community, where relief items were delivered. They also promised to provide potable water, intensive medical outreach and consumables, additional firefighting equipment and support for power supply.
In the same vein, the delegation reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government and the industry to restoring environmental safety and protecting the welfare of affected residents.
Speaking at the place of the Amanyanabo of Bille Kingdom, HRM Ingo Herbert, the minister said: “Investigation into the root cause is 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.”
In her remarks, the NUPRC Chief Executive, Eyesan, reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to identify the source of the seepage through a scientifically comprehensive investigation while ensuring that emergency humanitarian needs are addressed without delay.
“We have carried out preliminary investigations. However, we are carefully managing the situation to prevent further hazards before any intervention. We have engaged an international firm to undertake the final studies, with fieldwork expected to commence before the end of July,” she said.
While commending the residents for their understanding, the NUPRC boss disclosed that technical experts from across the oil and gas sector are working jointly with the Commission to resolve the crisis. She assured the community that the Commission would provide regular updates on the investigation.
On immediate relief measures, the NUPRC chief said: “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.”
While seeking a quick solution to the seepage, the Chairman, Bille Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, asked the government to fulfil its promises quickly so the community could fully reap the benefits of its oil and gas resources.