Residents, Coalition Condemn Govt Inaction Over Pollution in Rivers Community

News in Brief:

—Residents and environmental groups have urged the Nigerian government to intervene in Bille Kingdom, Rivers State, over a prolonged hydrocarbon eruption and pollution crisis threatening lives and livelihoods.

—Civil society organisations warned that continued neglect could worsen health risks, environmental damage, and the possibility of a major disaster in the oil-producing community.

Residents of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, alongside a coalition of civil society organisations, have criticised the Federal Government’s response to an ongoing environmental crisis caused by hydrocarbon emissions and gas pollution in the community.

The groups made the call during an Emergency Community/Civic Parliament and Medical Outreach held in Bille, where residents, including women and young people, marched through the community carrying placards highlighting the dangers posed by continuous gas emissions and environmental degradation.

The coalition, comprising groups such as Social Action, MIIDEEKOR, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Oilwatch, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), and other community organisations, described the situation as a humanitarian and ecological emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Residents displayed messages including “Bille Is On Fire,” “Our Mangroves Are Gone, Our Water Polluted,” and “No Fishing, No Farming, No Livelihood,” calling attention to the impact of pollution on their daily existence.

Activists Accuse Authorities of Ignoring Environmental Emergency

During the community assessment, Isaac Osuoka, Executive Director of Social Action, stated that the crisis had continued for more than six months without adequate action from government agencies.

According to him, gas bubbles have been observed across several locations on land and waterways, while sources of drinking water have reportedly become unsafe and unreliable.

Osuoka described the continued inaction as unacceptable, stating that residents remain exposed to health hazards and fire outbreaks.

He added that residents were living with uncertainty because the situation could escalate without warning, particularly in an area with limited emergency response infrastructure.

Pollution Threatens Fishing, Farming and Public Health

The coalition further stated that the hydrocarbon eruption has severely affected the main economic activities of Bille residents, particularly fishing and farming.

Community members said pollution in surrounding waterways has reduced fishing activities, while contamination concerns have made access to clean water increasingly difficult.

The groups also raised concerns about damage to the mangrove ecosystem, which plays a vital role in protecting the environment and supporting local livelihoods.

Residents warned that continued exposure to polluted air, water, and land could worsen health challenges if urgent measures are not introduced.

Groups Fault Regulatory Agencies Over Delayed Response

The organisations criticised the response of relevant regulatory bodies, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

They alleged that although officials had visited the community and announced plans to investigate the situation, there had been no major containment efforts or environmental recovery programme.

They also questioned the preparedness of emergency authorities, noting that Bille’s riverine location could complicate rescue and firefighting operations in a disaster.

They explained that conventional emergency equipment may be insufficient due to the community’s limited road access and dependence on waterways.

Medical Outreach Conducted Amid Pollution Concerns

As part of efforts to assess the impact of the pollution, residents received medical consultations and treatments during the outreach programme.

Organisers said the health initiative was designed to identify possible effects of prolonged exposure to environmental hazards and provide support to affected community members.

The coalition called for broader health interventions and long-term monitoring of residents who may have been exposed to pollution over an extended period.

Calls for Government Intervention and Environmental Restoration

The groups have urged the Federal Government, petroleum authorities, environmental agencies, and oil operators to declare a state of emergency in Bille Kingdom.

Their demands include a full environmental assessment, urgent containment of the gas eruption, restoration of damaged ecosystems, provision of clean water, healthcare support, and measures to rebuild affected livelihoods.

They warned that continued delays could worsen the humanitarian situation and increase the likelihood of a major environmental incident.

Meanwhile, the coalition pledged to continue advocacy efforts until meaningful action is taken to protect residents and restore the damaged environment.

Bille’s Pollution History and Legal Battle With Oil Companies

The latest crisis comes amid years of environmental concerns in Bille and other Niger Delta communities linked to oil exploration activities.

In June 2025, a United Kingdom High Court ruled that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary could face legal responsibility over decades of alleged oil pollution affecting communities, including Bille and Ogale in Rivers State. The ruling allowed residents to continue their legal pursuit for accountability and compensation.

The case followed claims by affected communities that oil pollution had destroyed fishing activities, damaged ecosystems, and caused severe economic hardship.

Residents have repeatedly argued that the environmental impact has affected generations, with once-productive waterways and farmlands becoming increasingly difficult to depend on.

The Bille crisis adds to wider concerns about pollution in the Niger Delta, where communities continue to demand stronger environmental protection, corporate accountability, and sustainable restoration efforts.