Methane Emissions: Ogun, FG intensify investigation in Ijebu-Ode, pledge lasting solution

The Ogun State Government has intensified collaboration with the Federal Government to investigate and address recurring methane emission incidents in Ijebu-Ode and neighbouring communities, assuring residents that concrete measures are being taken to establish the source of the emissions and prevent future occurrences.

The intervention follows four reported incidents of gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode and its environs, which have generated persistent unpleasant odour and raised concerns among residents about possible environmental and health implications.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, the government disclosed that a joint team of experts from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside development partners, had commenced investigations into the incidents.

The team, led by the Commission’s Deputy Director, Mr Omonedo Prosper, is currently examining emission patterns and possible sources of the gas, following preliminary briefings by state government officials on interventions already undertaken.

According to the statement, the NUPRC delegation expressed its readiness to work with the Ogun State Government and other relevant agencies to establish the cause of the emissions and develop a sustainable solution.

Akinmade said the state government was committed to making the findings of the investigation available promptly, implementing appropriate preventive measures and providing necessary health support and monitoring for affected communities.

He identified Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu East and Odogbolu, as well as other communities across Ogun East, as areas requiring attention as investigations and monitoring continue.

“We believe that collaboration with the Federal Government and research institutions is crucial. The Ogun State Government is resolute in its decision to implement the recommendations of the investigating team once investigations are concluded and to take concrete steps to ensure that the emissions do not recur,” he said.

The government stressed that the welfare, safety and well-being of residents remained its paramount responsibility, assuring communities that it would sustain its engagement with relevant federal agencies and technical experts until the matter was comprehensively addressed.

It would be recalled that following the incidents, the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Ikhane Phillips, explained that geochemical analysis would help determine the composition and source of the gas, while geophysical investigations would establish its possible underground origin and movement.

He noted that findings from ongoing site inspections and laboratory tests would provide the scientific basis for determining the appropriate interventions.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, had disclosed that the state was working closely with the Federal Government to tackle the situation.

Oresanya also called for improved information sharing to address public concerns, while advising residents on precautionary measures during periods of unpleasant odour. He had also assured residents that the gas was not lethal.

Meanwhile, Ijebu Para’po Info Media has commended Governor Abiodun and the NUPRC for their intervention and efforts to find a lasting solution to the recurring emissions.

The group praised the state government for responding to the concerns of residents and maintaining engagement with relevant authorities, expressing optimism that the ongoing investigation would produce a permanent solution.