Reps probe prolonged Bille gas leak, demand urgent action as emissions persist

Nigeria's House of Representatives Committee on the South-South Development Commission has launched an investigation into a persistent gas leak in Bille Community, Rivers State. The leak, first reported nearly a year ago, has caused significant environmental and humanitarian concerns, prompting lawmakers to question officials from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

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The committee approaches this engagement with an open mind. Our objective is to establish the facts, identify operational or regulatory shortcomings, ensure accountability and make recommendations that will improve environmental governance.

During an investigative session, committee Chairman Hon. Julius Pondi emphasized the goal of establishing facts, identifying shortcomings, and ensuring accountability. NOSDRA confirmed that the gas emissions, including methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide, are ongoing and have led to groundwater contamination and poor air quality. Officials noted the incident's unusual nature, as it is not linked to any known oil facility but appears to be a gradual seepage from deep underground reservoirs.

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It is still leaking.

The NUPRC stated its involvement began in February 2026, with joint investigations detecting methane emissions across a 1.5-kilometer area. Despite extensive geological studies, no connection to surface infrastructure like pipelines has been found. Lawmakers expressed concern over the prolonged suffering of residents while investigations continue, highlighting the need for improved environmental governance and a more robust emergency response.

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There is no relationship between the pipelines or facilities and the gas seepage.