Reps Probe Bille Gas Seepage, Delta Oil Spills
Abuja, Nigeria—October 22, 2026—The House of Representatives Committee on South-South Development Commission on Thursday commenced an investigative hearing into the prolonged gas seepage in Bille community, Rivers State, and oil spills impacting several coastal communities in Delta State.
Committee Chairman Hon. Julius Pondi declared the hearing open, stressing that the exercise reflects the panel’s commitment to its oversight responsibilities and the protection of the environment, livelihoods, and welfare of people in the South-South region.
Three Major Issues Under Scrutiny
Pondi outlined three key matters before the committee:
First is the prolonged gas seepage in Bille, Rivers State, which has persisted for nearly a year. The panel seeks clarity on investigation findings, the likely source of the seepage, its potential impact on public health and the environment, immediate steps taken and long-term measures proposed.
Second is the prolonged oil spill in Odidi, Delta State, reported to have affected more than 200 communities, including Ogulagha and other coastal settlements.
Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited has been identified in connection with the incident.
The committee expects the company and regulatory authorities to explain the circumstances, present environmental assessment findings and update members on containment, clean-up and remediation efforts.
Third concerns ongoing oil spills in Odimodi, Ogulagha and neighboring communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State involving Chevron Nigeria Limited. The panel is seeking details on the causes, extent, investigation findings, and progress on environmental restoration.
Call for Practical Solutions
Pondi emphasized that the committee is not out to prejudge any party but to establish facts fairly and ensure that all relevant authorities and operators fulfill their legal responsibilities.
He charged the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to present updates on investigations, monitoring, enforcement, and remediation verification.
The South-South Development Commission was also asked to explain interventions aimed at supporting affected communities, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was requested to update the panel on relief materials and humanitarian assistance delivered since its previous engagement in August.
“The people of Bille, Odidi, Ogulagha, Odimodi, and other affected communities deserve clear answers, timely interventions, and tangible progress towards resolving the environmental problems confronting them,” Pondi said.
Community representatives were urged to present their experiences with supporting evidence, as the committee indicated it may undertake further investigations or field verification visits where necessary.
Present at the hearing were members of the committee, ministers, heads of relevant agencies, oil company executives, community leaders, and the media.
This report is based on coverage by New Telegraph published on October 22, 2026.
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