FG Addresses Gas Seepage in Bille Community, Offers Aid

On Wednesday, the Federal Government delegation, led by Senator Ekperik Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, visited Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, in response to ongoing gas seepage issues. The delegation provided immediate humanitarian support, as outlined in a statement by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media Corporate Communications.

The team included Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Governor Fubara emphasized the need for urgent attention to the community's concerns, including the provision of potable water and healthcare services.

The delegation also committed to delivering firefighting equipment and power supply support. NUPRC's Eyesan assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to identify the source of the seepage, with preliminary studies expected to commence by the end of July.

The community leaders, including Chief Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, urged the government to fulfill its promises swiftly to ensure the community benefits from its oil and gas resources.