NOCAL Issues Technical Update On Grand Bassa Hydrocarbon Seep

Monrovia-December 5, 2025: The National Oil Company of Liberia – NOCAL informs the public that it is aware of the reported hydrocarbon seep in Nevren Tan, Beon Town, Grand Bassa County, situated within the Roberts–Bassa Basin approximately 7.6 miles inland from the coastline. In response, NOCAL conducted two technical field missions to conduct seep reconnaissance, surface geology assessments, and baseline data collection.

Historical reconnaissance studies such as airborne gravity and magnetic surveys conducted in 2010 by Simba Energy, the only onshore reconnaissance license holder at the time identified oil seep occurrences indicating that the Roberts–Bassa Basin may have potential for commercially viable hydrocarbons.

Building on these earlier findings, NOCAL geoscientists and technicians from the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) undertook two days of intensive field observation, desktop reviews of historical datasets, soil sampling, and geological mapping. Their assessments confirm that the reported seep area in Nevren Tan aligns with the structural and stratigraphic characteristics of the Roberts–Bassa Basin.

Samples collected from the seep zone are currently undergoing laboratory geochemical analysis, including API gravity determination to classify the fluid as sweet or sour, as well as biomarker profiling and diagnostic testing to establish the fluid type, source characteristics, and potential migration pathways. Final conclusions will be issued upon the completion and integration of these technical evaluations.

NOCAL recognizes the strong public interest in this matter of national importance and appreciates the desire for accurate information. The Corporation, however, urges government entities, members of the media, community leaders, and public figures to refrain from disseminating unverified or speculative information while technical investigations and laboratory analyses are still ongoing – as premature conclusions may undermine the integrity of the scientific process and the credibility of the results.

NOCAL remains committed to transparency and will provide a comprehensive, evidence-based update to the Liberian people upon completion of its assessments.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.