The Federal Government (FG) says investigations into reports of gas bubbling in Bille Community in Rivers State have, so far, not shown any evidence connecting the occurrence to oil facilities or pipeline operations in the area.
Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), made this known recently after receiving briefings on the situation reported within the Oil Mining Lease 18 corridor where the riverine community is located.
Residents of Bille and nearby settlements had earlier expressed concern after noticing unusual bubbles rising from parts of the surrounding waters and nearby land areas, raising fears that the phenomenon might be linked to oil and gas activities.
Following the reports, the Federal Government directed relevant regulatory bodies and oil operators in the area to immediately examine the development and determine its possible cause.
Ekpo explained that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, alongside operators within the OML 18 area, have commenced field assessments at the locations where the bubbling was observed.
He stated that two separate joint visits have already taken place at the affected sites, during which investigators collected samples for laboratory testing to help determine the composition and origin of the gas.
According to the minister, preliminary observations from the fieldwork have not established any clear link between the bubbling and oil spills, pipeline damage or other operational issues associated with petroleum infrastructure in the area.
He, however, noted that the investigation is still ongoing and that the outcome of laboratory analysis will provide more clarity on the situation.
Ekpo assured residents that government agencies are closely monitoring the development and will take necessary action if the findings indicate any threat to public safety or the environment.
He also urged members of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations continue to establish the exact cause of the bubbling.
