Gov. Fubara, FG, Oil Firms Unite to Address Bille Gas Leak

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that the state government, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and oil and gas companies have reached a consensus on steps to tackle the gas eruption in Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area.

Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Governor Fubara said the gathering brought together officials of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, representatives of oil and gas firms, and traditional rulers from Bille to develop a lasting solution to the incident.

The Governor pointed out that the state government had earlier visited the affected community alongside officials from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum and the operating companies to assess the situation after residents appealed for urgent intervention.

He noted that the latest meeting provided an opportunity for all parties to review the cause of the gas eruption and collectively agree on practical measures to address the problem.

Governor Fubara described the meeting as fruitful and expressed optimism that it would produce tangible results, adding that the Bille delegation, led by its traditional rulers, was satisfied with the outcome.

“I can say that it was a very successful meeting because the Bille community, ably represented by their chiefs, are all smiling. It means that the outcome of the meeting was a good one,” Gov. Fubara said.

The Governor further stated that both the Federal Government and the operating companies had assured the community of swift intervention, expressing confidence that major remedial efforts would begin within the next few weeks to bring the gas eruption under control.

Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended Governor Fubara for his swift response and support in addressing the crisis. He also praised the Bille community for its cooperation and assured residents that the Federal Government and the operating companies remained committed to implementing remedial measures to reduce the impact of the gas eruption and alleviate the hardship experienced by those affected.