The House of Representatives Committee on South South Development Commission (SSDC) has urged government agencies to provide answers to prolonged gas seepage in Bille Community of Rivers State.

The committee also urged the agencies to answer questions on the reported oil spills affecting several communities in Delta State, amid concerns over the environmental and livelihood implications of the incidents.

The gas seepage in Bille has reportedly persisted for nearly one year, affecting the livelihood of residents of the community, while an oil spill in Odidi, Delta State, has reportedly affected more than 200 communities.

Speaking at a public hearing yesterday in Abuja, Committee Chairman Julius Pondi fingered Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited in connection with the Odidi incident, saying the committee was examining reports of ongoing oil spills in Odimodi, Ogulagha, and neighbouring coastal communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, where Chevron Nigeria Limited has been fingered in the incident.

Pondi said the hearing was convened to establish the facts surrounding the incidents, assess the responses of relevant government agencies and operating companies, and determine the further action required.

The committee chairman said the proceedings were not intended to prejudge any of the parties involved, but to ensure transparency, establish accountability, and provide a basis for appropriate intervention.

He expressed concern that prolonged gas seepage and oil spills could have serious implications for public health, food security, the waterways, and the livelihoods of residents who depend on fishing, farming, and other local economic activities.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency were expected to provide detailed accounts of their investigations, environmental assessments, monitoring activities, enforcement measures, and remediation efforts.

Pondi stressed that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources is also expected to clarify the interventions undertaken and the responsibilities of the operators involved, while the South South Development Commission (SSDC) is to explain the steps taken within its mandate to address the concerns of the affected communities.

The committee chairman recalled its engagement with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on August 13, 2026, concerning essential materials and humanitarian assistance for the affected communities. It requested an update on assistance delivered, beneficiaries reached, outstanding needs and challenges encountered.

He said the committee could undertake further investigations, field verification and oversight visits, where necessary, adding that the economic importance of the oil and gas industry must go hand in hand with environmental protection and the welfare of host communities. (The Nation)