Fubara, FG, Oil Firms Agree On Measures To Address Bille Gas Leak

The Siminalayi Fubara-led Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and oil and gas operators have agreed on a coordinated plan to tackle the gas eruption in Bille Community.

Governor Fubara disclosed this on Wednesday after a stakeholders' meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, saying the discussions focused on finding a lasting solution to the incident.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, oil and gas operators, and traditional rulers from Bille Community.

According to the governor, the state government had earlier visited the affected community alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum and the operating companies to assess the situation following appeals by residents for urgent intervention.

He explained that the latest meeting provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to jointly review the cause of the gas eruption and agree on practical steps to address the problem.

Describing the meeting as productive, Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the decisions reached would translate into concrete action.

"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," the governor said.

He added that both the Federal Government and the operating companies had assured the community of swift intervention, expressing confidence that significant remedial work would begin within the next few weeks to bring the situation under control.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended Governor Fubara for his prompt response and support in addressing the crisis. He equally praised the people of Bille Community for their cooperation and assured residents that the Federal Government and the operating companies remained committed to implementing measures to contain the gas eruption and alleviate the hardship experienced by the affected community.

The stakeholders expressed confidence that the agreed intervention would provide a lasting solution to the gas leak and restore normalcy to Bille Community.