Lawmakers criticise agencies over prolonged Bille gas leak
The House of Representatives Committee on the South South Development Commission has criticised the response of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to the ongoing gas seepage in Bille Community, Rivers State. Lawmakers described the incident as a major environmental and public health emergency that has persisted for months. They questioned regulatory lapses, delayed intervention, and the absence of key stakeholders at an investigative hearing. Julius Pondi and Robinson Dekor were among those who expressed frustration over the handling of the crisis.
TLDR
- Lawmakers faulted NUPRC and NOSDRA for their slow and inadequate response to the gas seepage in Bille Community, which has lasted nearly eight months.
- Residents reported contaminated water, air pollution, disrupted livelihoods, and ongoing health and safety risks.
- The committee criticised the absence of several key agencies and operators at the hearing, saying it hindered efforts to address the emergency.
- Officials from NOSDRA and NUPRC said the gas was naturally migrating from underground, not linked to oil facilities, but lawmakers were dissatisfied with their explanations.
- Relief materials have been delivered to the community, and plans for medical outreach and safe water provision are underway, while lawmakers demand urgent intervention and accountability.
