The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has identified 13 oil and gas wells in Rivers State as posing significant safety risks due to gas seepage. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the emissions. The commission classified three of the 28 examined wells as very high risk and 10 others as high risk. The remaining 15 wells were placed in the medium-to-low-risk category.
NUPRC's findings were presented at the 44th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists in Abuja. The presentation, titled "Unravelling Gas Seepage and Bubbling in Nigeria," examined the technical investigations into the gas emissions in Bille, Rivers State. A specialised technical team was assembled to investigate the unusual occurrence and determine the underground conditions responsible for the gas emissions.
The assessment involved examining existing wells according to their distance from the reported seepage locations and geological reservoirs encountered during drilling operations. Physical inspections of 14 out of 28 identified wells were conducted, revealing worrying conditions, including gas escaping with a hissing sound and evidence of corrosion and vandalism. Three wells were inaccessible due to submersion.
One of the wells under investigation was initially drilled for crude oil but was shut down after gas was encountered. The abandoned well, located 2.5 kilometres from the reported seepage point, is being investigated for possible connection to the emissions. The distances between affected locations and identified wells range from 2.5 to three kilometres. The area has witnessed extensive exploration activities and contains significant hydrocarbon deposits.
The commission has commenced an independent scientific examination of the escaping gas to establish its chemical composition and determine its origin. The investigation is employing Gas Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry and compositional field analysis. Results are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. This development has heightened concerns over potential environmental, health, and safety consequences for Bille residents.
The situation has raised fears about possible contamination of drinking water sources, fire outbreaks, and exposure of residents to hazardous conditions. In July, a Federal Government delegation led by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo visited the affected community and pledged humanitarian interventions. The promised assistance includes clean drinking water, medical services, and firefighting equipment.
NUPRC's Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated contamination of the community's first aquifer. The commission, in collaboration with industry operators, has mobilised relief supplies and assistance for residents while the technical investigation remains ongoing. However, confirming a natural geological origin for the seepage could complicate efforts to contain the situation, potentially requiring relocation of residents.
Key points
- NUPRC identified 13 oil and gas wells in Rivers State as high-risk gas seepage sites.
- The commission is conducting technical investigations to establish the source of the gas emissions.
- Residents of the affected community may face environmental, health, and safety risks due to the gas seepage.
