Preliminary Findings Link Rivers Gas Seepage to Underground Triggers—NUPRC

Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator has launched a technical probe into a gas bubbling incident in Bille Community, Rivers State, with early observations pointing to subsurface causes.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the incident, assuring residents of coordinated action.

NUPRC chief executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, in a personally signed message said:
“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, adding that “detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are ongoing to determine the contributing factor(s) and possible remedies for prompt implementation.”
According to her, the study involves stakeholders for comprehensive results, with NUPRC committing to regulations and best practices. ”
“The Commission is deeply concerned about the gas bubbling incident in Bille Community, Rivers State, and wishes to assure the community and the public of its utmost commitment to coordinating industry efforts to address the situation,” stated Commission
Recall that Bille Community in Rivers State, located in the oil‑producing Niger Delta, has been experiencing a series of suspected methane gas leaks since October 2025, when local fishermen first noticed unusual bubbling in a mangrove swamp and nearby river several kilometres from the town.
The bubbling water was accompanied by a strong sulphurous smell, and within days similar incidents were reported at several other sites, including inside the community; some residents found the air around the bubbling spots to be flammable, indicating the presence of combustible gas.
Amnesty International had warned that the leaks are contaminating drinking water sources and posing serious threats to the health and safety of residents, urging the federal government to launch an urgent investigation.

Eyesan, noted that NUPRC empathises with the affected locals, and is prioritising safety and the environment.
“The Commission empathises with the community and acknowledges the concerns that this unsavoury development has raised in relation to public safety, the environment, and the health of the populace. The overall well-being of our communities and the protection of the environment remain paramount to the Commission, as they are to Government.”
According to her, upon notification, the regulator activated protocols for investigation. Preliminary deductions suggest natural origins:

The NUPRC assured the Bille Community of its resolve to ensure that necessary actions required to address the situation are taken in line with applicable regulations, industry standards and global best practices.

Eyesan urged calm: “Once again, the Commission commiserates with the Bille Community as we work assiduously with all stakeholders to unravel the incident, and enjoin members of the community to maintain the commendable level of responsibility whilst adhering to all safety measures and public health advisories issued by the relevant authorities,” Eyesan stated.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, where gas flares and seepages have long raised environmental concerns.