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Investigation begins after reports of gas seepage in Bille Community.
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Probe focuses on activities around Oil Mining Lease 18 corridor.
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Regulatory agencies commence field investigations and laboratory analysis.
The Federal Government has commenced an investigation into reports of gas bubbling from the ground and nearby water bodies in Bille Community, located within the Oil Mining Lease 18 corridor.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, confirming that authorities had received briefings about the unusual seepage in the area.
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Ekpo said the Federal Government had already activated a coordinated response involving relevant regulators and oil operators to determine the source and nature of the gas emission.
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According to him, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, alongside operators working within the OML 18 corridor, immediately launched field investigations following the report.
“As part of the ongoing response, two joint investigation visits have already been conducted at the affected locations. During these inspections, relevant samples were collected and forwarded for laboratory analysis,” the minister stated.
He explained that preliminary assessments had not established any direct link between the bubbling and oil pollution, pipeline leaks, or other operational failures associated with oil and gas infrastructure in the area.
However, Ekpo noted that final laboratory results were still being awaited to provide definitive scientific clarification on the situation.
The minister also directed the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to intensify its technical investigations, conduct additional site visits, and maintain continuous monitoring of the affected locations.
He assured residents that the government remained committed to identifying the exact cause of the gas seepage and taking appropriate remedial measures once the investigation is concluded.
Ekpo further urged members of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with regulatory authorities and technical teams currently carrying out field assessments, stressing that the government would continue to safeguard lives, protect the environment, and ensure responsible petroleum operations across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.
