Rivers State Governor Demands Swift Resolution to Bille Gas Leakage, Pledges Health Centre Upgrade
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a directive for the immediate and comprehensive resolution of the environmental and health challenges stemming from a gas leakage incident in Bille, Degema Local Government Area. In a parallel move to address community welfare, Governor Fubara has also committed to upgrading the Bille Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) to mitigate the adverse health impacts experienced by residents.
These pronouncements were made on Wednesday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, during an extensive stakeholder meeting. The assembly convened representatives from the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government, and key community leaders to review the prevailing situation and identify actionable strategies to counteract the effects of environmental pollution.
Governor Fubara acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment, through its agencies, to ascertain the root cause of the Bille gas leakage and implement a permanent solution. He stated, “The meeting is in respect of the situation in Bille. You’re aware that there is a case of gas leakage somewhere in Bille and the people have been making some requests that the government should come to their rescue to resolve the situation.” He further elaborated that the state government, in collaboration with industry operators and officials from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, had previously assessed the situation. The current enlarged meeting aimed to foster a collective approach to understanding the issue’s genesis and charting the most effective resolution pathway.
The Governor described the meeting as successful, indicating that further actions are anticipated within the coming weeks to ensure the complete resolution of the matter.
Leading the Federal Government’s delegation, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s hospitality and proactive engagement. Minister Ekpo clarified that the Federal Government has been actively addressing the “gas seepage,” contrary to certain perceptions, and is dedicated to finding a sustainable solution. He confirmed that upon receiving the report, experts were dispatched to investigate the cause. The initial challenge, he noted, was the absence of proximate oil or gas infrastructure, necessitating a more detailed inquiry.
“The investigation is still going but we decided to do a follow-up visit to the area to talk to the people of Bille Community that we need collaboration on their part so that we would be able to arrive at a lasting solution,” Minister Ekpo explained. He underscored the paramount importance of public safety and the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution, reiterating that the welfare and security of the populace are primary governmental responsibilities.
Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), affirmed the commission’s dedication to resolving the issue. She pledged that the NUPRC and industry operators are prepared to address the community’s requests, including the provision of potable water and fire trucks.
During the meeting, Chief Rena Dappa, Public Relations Officer for the Council of Chiefs, Bille Kingdom, presented the community’s challenges and appealed for governmental support to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
In separate developments, President Bola Tinubu has announced the launch of “The Power Force,” a training programme designed to equip 5,000 young Nigerians as meter installers and technicians under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI). This initiative aims to generate employment, bridge Nigeria’s metering gap, and enhance electricity supply, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The programme will provide participants with practical technical skills and connect them to job opportunities within the power sector. Eligibility requires completion of secondary education, with a reserved quota for National Youth Service Corps members. President Tinubu emphasised that proper metering is crucial for fair billing, improved revenue collection by distribution companies, and ultimately, a more robust and reliable power sector. The PMI is directed to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria to commence the programme within 30 days.
The Federal Government has also confirmed the arrival of the third evacuation flight carrying 271 Nigerians voluntarily returning from South Africa. The Air Peace-operated flight departed Johannesburg at midnight and was scheduled to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 5:30 a.m. This repatriation effort is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to facilitating the return of its citizens from South Africa.
Furthermore, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks, effective July 1, 2026. The apex bank cited the institutions’ failure to meet critical regulatory requirements, including insufficient assets to meet liabilities, prolonged inactivity, cessation of operations without approval, and failure to maintain prescribed minimum capital. The revocations, approved by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, were made in accordance with Sections 12 and 13 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020. These measures are part of the CBN’s broader strategy to strengthen financial sector stability, protect depositors, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has stated that over 281 million depositors across the banking system are protected against bank failure, with current deposit insurance coverage extending to 914 licensed financial institutions, ensuring full insurance for over 98 per cent of depositors.
