Reps Summon Agencies Over Prolonged Gas Leak in Rivers

The House of Representatives Committee on the South-South Development Commission has summoned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Rivers State Government, Degema Local Government Council, and representatives of Bille Community due to a prolonged gas leak threatening lives and livelihoods in Rivers State. The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the slow response to the environmental emergency, noting that nearly nine months after the leak was reported on October 25, 2025, residents remain at risk.

Chairman Hon. Julius Pondi stated the Committee aims to investigate the incident, assess the adequacy of the emergency response, and ensure affected communities receive necessary support. NOSDRA Director Cyrus Nkangwung reported that the gas leak is unusual as it is bubbling from beneath the ground rather than from a known facility, complicating efforts to identify its source.