Sopuruchi Onwuka

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has set up a technical committee to investigate the cause of gas seepage in Bille community in Rivers State, following reports of persistent gas bubbling in the coastal area.

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In a statement signed by its Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the commission said it has launched a coordinated investigation in line with regulatory protocols to determine the nature and extent of the incident, identify its source, and recommend both immediate and long-term mitigation measures.

The regulator said preliminary field observations suggest the gas seepage may be linked to subsurface geological activity, though it emphasized that detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are still ongoing to establish the exact cause and appropriate response.

According to the commission, the investigation is being carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and evidence-based outcome that supports long-term environmental and operational sustainability.

Eyesan noted that the commission is concerned about the implications of the incident on public safety, environmental protection and community health, acknowledging the anxiety it has created among residents of Bille.

She added that the agency remains committed to ensuring that all necessary actions are taken in accordance with applicable regulations, industry standards and global best practices once the root cause is established.

The commission also urged members of the community to remain calm, adhere strictly to safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities as the investigation progresses, assuring them that efforts are underway to fully understand and address the situation.