The House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to urgently intervene in a gas leak that has persisted for about nine months in Bille, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The directive followed concerns over the possible health dangers posed by the prolonged leak to residents of the oil-producing community.
The House committee, chaired by Julius Pondi, gave the order after representatives of Bille, regulatory agencies and companies allegedly linked to the incident appeared before it.
During the session, the committee questioned the stakeholders over delays in bringing foreign experts to the community to assess the situation and recommend a permanent solution.
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Secretary of the Bille Council of Chiefs, Luckyman Igila, said the prolonged leak was affecting residents, with some reportedly experiencing health problems.
He said the company allegedly connected to the incident had promised to organise a medical outreach for affected residents.
Igila, however, expressed concern that some residents’ conditions were worsening and called for immediate action.
He urged the authorities and other stakeholders to stop the leak and protect residents from further health risks.
