NUPRC identifies 13 high-risk wells near gas seepage sites in Bille, Rivers State, as investigations continue into the source of the emissions
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has identified 13 high-risk oil and gas wells near reported gas seepage locations in Bille community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, as investigations continue to establish the source of the emissions.
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The commission classified three of the 28 wells screened as very high risk and 10 as high risk. The remaining 15 were rated medium to low risk.
The findings were disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu.
The commission also warned that residents of the affected riverine community might have to be evacuated if investigations establish that the seepage is caused by a natural geological phenomenon, which could make the underground movement of gas difficult to control.
The Director of Subsurface Development at the commission, Joseph Ogunsola, disclosed the assessment during a technical presentation at the 44th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists in Abuja.
His presentation was titled “Unravelling Gas Seepage and Bubbling in Nigeria: The Integrated Study Approach Towards Source Attribution.”
Ogunsola, represented by the Senior Manager, Onshore Frontier Development Drilling, Azibamikiomam John-Adumo, said the commission had assembled a technical team to investigate the unusual occurrence and determine what was happening beneath the affected locations.
He explained that the 28 wells were selected based on their proximity to the seepage points and the underground reservoirs encountered during drilling.
The investigation team physically inspected 14 wells but could not access three others because they were submerged.
During the visits, officials observed gas hissing from some wells, while other facilities showed signs of corrosion or vandalism.
One of the wells under investigation had initially been drilled in search of crude oil but was shut down after gas, rather than oil, was discovered.
Ogunsola said the well was about 2.5 kilometres from the seepage location. Investigators are examining whether it or other nearby wells could be responsible for the emissions.
Other wells in the area are between 2.5 and three kilometres from the affected locations.
The commission has also moved beyond preliminary field inspections to scientific testing aimed at identifying the origin and composition of the escaping gas.
According to Ogunsola, it is using Gas Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry and compositional field analysis to establish the source of the emissions.
Results are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The seepage was first reported in October 2025, with residents raising concerns after gas began bubbling through water bodies, wells, swamps and other locations in the community.
The development has heightened fears about possible contamination of drinking water, fire outbreaks and the impact on fishing and other water-dependent livelihoods.
In July 2026, a Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, visited Bille and promised emergency assistance, including potable water, medical outreach and firefighting equipment.
During the visit, NUPRC Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed that preliminary assessments indicated contamination of the community’s first aquifer.
“Our assessment indicates that the first aquifer has been contaminated, and while we work towards a sustainable long-term solution, we will provide potable water as quickly as possible,” she said.
Ogunsola said the commission and industry operators had also mobilised relief materials and support for affected residents while the technical investigation continued.
The interventions include food supplies, medical outreach, potable water, fire vans and safety kits.
However, he warned that confirming a natural geological source could complicate efforts to contain the seepage because underground gas migration pathways may be difficult to trace.
In such a situation, he said, evacuating residents might become necessary to protect them from potential hazards.
The commission reiterated its commitment to establishing the source of the emissions and determining the appropriate measures to protect the community.
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The concerns in Bille have also attracted calls for greater transparency and urgent action from environmental organisations, with residents continuing to await a lasting solution.
