NUPRC reassures Bille community over gas bubbling incident

NUPRC reassures Bille community over gas bubbling incident
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja 

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called for calm in Bille Community, Rivers State, following reports of gas bubbling in the area, assuring residents that efforts are underway to determine the cause and ensure public safety.

The Commission, in a statement signed by its Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said it is deeply concerned about the development and has activated a coordinated technical investigation in line with regulatory protocols.

According to NUPRC, the investigation is aimed at assessing the nature and extent of the gas seepage, identifying its source and possible causes, as well as recommending both immediate and long-term mitigation measures.

It noted that preliminary field observations suggest the gas bubbling may be linked to a subsurface phenomenon, although detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are still ongoing to determine the exact triggers.

The NUPRC added that the study is being conducted in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and fact-based outcome that will support long-term environmental sustainability and safety.

It urged members of the Bille community to remain calm, maintain order, and adhere strictly to all safety measures and public health advisories issued by authorities as investigations continue.

“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.

“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 statement added.

The suspected leak in Bille community was first reported several months ago, sparking environmental and health concerns among residents.

Fishermen in the area had earlier raised the alarm after noticing unusual bubbling in surrounding rivers and mangrove swamps, accompanied by a strong sulphurous smell. In the weeks that followed, similar bubbling points were reportedly discovered at multiple locations, including within the community itself.

The development has since begun to disrupt daily life. Reports indicate that some local water sources may have been contaminated, while a number of schoolchildren were said to have relocated after experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and other health complications believed to be linked to the exposure.

Meanwhile, environmental advocacy groups, including Amnesty International, have called on authorities to urgently identify the source of the leak and contain it, warning that failure to act swiftly could escalate the situation into a bigger environmental and humanitarian crisis.