FG rushes aid to Bille as Gas leak crisis sparks emergency action

Favour Ishember, Abuja

A Federal Government team headed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, arrived in Bille, Degema LGA, Rivers State on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The mission delivers urgent relief and rolls out a full-scale plan to halt the persistent gas leak plaguing the riverside community.

Before heading to Bille, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House. In the team were key players from the sector, including the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, alongside representatives of major oil and gas companies.

A press statement issued by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head, Media and Corporate Communications, said
Governor Siminalayi Fubara praised the swift, coordinated response from Abuja. He gave residents his word that their demands would be treated as a priority.

“The Federal Government is pulling out all the stops to contain the gas leakage. We’ve taken note of the urgent need for clean drinking water, medical care, and fire-response support, and those will be delivered,” Fubara stated.

He also gave an immediate directive to revamp Bille’s primary health centre so it can handle emergencies linked to the gas incident.

From Port Harcourt, the team moved to Bille Kingdom to hand over emergency supplies. Beyond the items already delivered, the FG pledged to supply safe drinking water, a large-scale medical outreach with drugs and consumables, extra firefighting tools, and help to stabilize power supply. Officials restated Abuja’s and the industry’s commitment to clean up the environment and safeguard residents’ wellbeing.

According to the Minister, “We Are With You as Problem continues”.
At the palace of the Amanyanabo of Bille, HRM Ingo Herbert, Senator Ekpo addressed the monarch and community leaders.

“An investigation into what caused this is already underway, and the Federal Government is totally committed to fixing it. We will make sure the area is safe and fully restored. We stand with you in this,” he said.

On her part, the NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs. Eyesan, said the regulator is driving a thorough, science-based investigation to pinpoint the leak’s origin, while making sure emergency needs don’t wait.

“We’ve done initial field checks. Right now, we’re controlling the situation to avoid more risks before full intervention. We’ve hired an international consultancy for the final study, and they’re set to start work before the end of July,” she explained.

She also noted that NUPRC is coordinating with technical specialists across the oil and gas industry to end the crisis. The Commission, she added, will keep the community updated at every stage of the investigation.

On short-term aid, the NUPRC boss said early findings show the first underground water layer has been polluted.

“While we work on a lasting fix, we will roll out a potable water supply as fast as possible,” she confirmed.

Speaking for Bille, the Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, Alabo Okpokia Dokubo, urged the government to act quickly on its pledges. He said timely action is the only way the community can begin to enjoy the full benefits of the oil and gas wealth beneath their land.

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