…seek clean-up plans, relief for affected communities
By Gloria Ikibah 
The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into prolonged gas seepage in Bille community, Rivers State, and oil spills reportedly affecting more than 200 communities in Delta State, demanding answers from oil companies and regulatory agencies over the environmental damage and its impact on residents.
The House Committee on South-South Development Commission commenced the investigative hearing on Thursday to establish the causes and extent of the incidents, assess the responses of relevant authorities and operators, and determine the steps required to address the concerns of affected communities.
Declaring the hearing open, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Julius Pondi, said the exercise was part of the lawmakers’ oversight responsibilities and their commitment to protecting the environment, livelihoods and welfare of people in the South-South region.
Pondi identified three major issues before the committee, including gas seepage in Bille community, Rivers State, which he said had persisted for nearly a year.
He said the committee wanted clarification on the findings of investigations conducted so far, the likely source of the seepage, its potential effects on public health and the environment, and the immediate and long-term measures being considered to address it.
The lawmakers also sought updates on collaboration among government agencies, engagement with the responsible operators and the implementation of resolutions reached at previous meetings.
The second issue concerns a prolonged oil spill in Odidi, Delta State, reportedly affecting more than 200 communities, including Ogulagha and other coastal settlements, with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited identified in connection with the incident.
Pondi said the reported scale and duration of the spill had raised concerns about environmental pollution, damage to waterways, disruption of fishing and other economic activities, and the welfare of residents who depend on the affected environment for their livelihoods.
He said the company and relevant regulatory authorities were expected to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify the affected areas, present findings from environmental assessments and provide updates on containment, clean-up, remediation and compliance with applicable regulations.
The third matter involves reported ongoing oil spills in Odimodi, Ogulagha and neighbouring coastal communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, involving Chevron Nigeria Limited.
According to Pondi, the committee wants information on the causes and extent of the spills, findings from investigations, the effectiveness of containment measures and progress towards environmental clean-up and restoration.
He stressed that the hearing was not intended to prejudge any party but to establish the facts and ensure that all relevant authorities and operators discharged their responsibilities under the law.
The chairman said the consequences of environmental pollution in the South-South went beyond technical and regulatory concerns, affecting public health, food security, local economies and the livelihoods of people engaged in fishing and farming.
He called on the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to provide updates on investigations, environmental assessments, monitoring activities, enforcement measures and the verification of remediation work.
He also asked the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to explain its interventions and clarify the responsibilities of the operators involved.
The South-South Development Commission was similarly asked to outline interventions already undertaken or proposed to address the socio-economic consequences of the incidents, support affected communities and improve coordination with relevant institutions.
Pondi recalled that the committee had engaged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on 13 August 2026 over the provision of relief materials and humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
He requested an update on the assistance delivered, the number of beneficiaries reached, outstanding needs and the challenges encountered in providing relief.
The chairman said the investigation must produce practical solutions rather than end with explanations and assurances, insisting that ministries, agencies and oil companies must provide accurate information, clear commitments and measurable progress.
He also urged representatives of affected communities to present their experiences, concerns and expectations, supported by photographs, videos, petitions and other evidence that could help the committee understand the situation on the ground.
He said the committee would consider further investigations, field verification exercises or oversight visits where necessary.
Pondi further maintained that the economic importance of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry must be matched by a responsibility to protect the environment and the welfare of host communities.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, 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.
The hearing was attended by the Deputy Chairman and members of the committee, ministers, heads of agencies, including NUPRC and NOSDRA, the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission, the Director-General of NEMA, chief executives of oil and gas companies, leaders of affected communities and members of the press.
