The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reassured residents of Bille Community in Rivers State of its commitment to addressing the ongoing gas bubbling incident in the area, amid growing concerns over safety and environmental impact.

In a press statement  on Thursday signed by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan (Mrs.), Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, the Commission said it was “deeply concerned” about the development and had initiated steps to coordinate industry efforts aimed at resolving the situation.

The regulator expressed sympathy with affected residents, acknowledging that the incident had raised serious concerns regarding public safety, environmental protection, and public health. It emphasised that the well-being of host communities and environmental sustainability remain top priorities for both the Commission and the government.

According to the statement, the Commission activated a technical investigation immediately after being notified of the incident. The process, it said, is being carried out in line with established regulatory protocols to determine the nature and extent of the gas seepage, identify its source, and recommend both immediate and long-term mitigation measures.

NUPRC noted that the ongoing investigation is being conducted in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and fact-based outcome that would support long-term environmental sustainability.

Preliminary findings from field observations suggest that the gas bubbling may be linked to subsurface geological activity, although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed. The Commission added that detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are currently underway to ascertain the contributing factors and determine appropriate remedial actions.

“Upon notification of the incident, the Commission activated a coordinated technical investigation process in line with established regulatory protocols to assess the nature and extent of the gas seepage, identify source(s) and potential cause(s), and propose immediate and long-term mitigation measures. The investigative Study is being conducted in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, fact-based outcomes for long-term sustainability.

“Preliminary deductions and field observations indicate that the gas bubbling may be associated with a subsurface phenomenon that could be linked to a variety of triggers. Detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are ongoing to determine the contributing factor(s) and possible remedies for prompt implementation,” the statement read.

Reaffirming its commitment to resolving the issue, the Commission assured residents that all necessary measures would be taken in line with applicable regulations, industry standards, and global best practices.

The Commission also urged members of the community to remain calm, continue their responsible conduct, and adhere strictly to all safety guidelines and public health advisories issued by relevant authorities, while efforts to fully understand and address the incident continue.