Pipeline locations within the communities
By Our Reporter
The indigenous communities of Afor Clan in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have strongly kicked against the insistence of Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited to continue with activities that endanger their lives and environment.
The communities specifically said that is taking place in spite of strong opposition and ongoing legal proceedings on construction of oil pipelines passing through residential areas which posed serious concerns over lack of proper consultation, environmental safety, and constitutional violations.
In addition, the communities emphasised that the company has not only failed, but bluntly refused to present the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to the affected communities, nor has it engaged in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the community.
Specifically, the project violates Sections 43 and 44 citizens’ rights to own property and protect against forceful takeover of landed properties.
Mr. Cletus Ifeadime, who is the President of Afor United, an umbrella organisation for the affected communities, said that while they are not against oil and gas development, they however, would not accept a pipeline running through their homes, schools, and health facilities.
He noted that Sterling Oil had promised to route the pipeline behind Owoi Creek, away from residential areas, but has now resorted to bulldozing through their towns.
The communities said they are therefore made to face serious environmental crisis and constitutional issues as a result of the refusal of the company to abide by laid down rules and respect for the laws of the country as a result of their controversial and illegal pipeline project.
Sterling Oil began exploration activities in the Afor Clan communities about five years ago and in April this year, the company returned to secure permissions for a pipeline running in the locations to its Flow Station in Beneku, which is expected to affect five communities, namely; Okolori-Afor, Ogbetitit-Afor, Umuachi-Afor, Ogbedigbo-Afor, and Obetim-Uno.
The pipeline which is located near a Health Centre, homes, and schools, also passed through farms as the route through which the pipeline would follow had initially been laid out by the community through a map it designed to accommodate the company showing the safer options.
It was also gathered that the pipeline runs less than 100 metres from the only health centre serving the entire Afor region, thereby depriving communities access to their only healthcare centre.
This poses environmental risks, threatening water sources, biodiversity, and agricultural lands, as well as significant safety concerns due to the potential for explosions, leaks, and contamination.
During a community visit, it was discovered that the community has a history of legal disputes with the company as multiple protest letters that were submitted to Sterling Oil by the communities were not responded to by the company.
As a result, the communities engaged the services of lawyers and petitioned the National Assembly through Hon. Nnamdi Eziechi (Ndokwa/Ukwuani Constituency).
While the petition is awaiting final hearing at the National Assembly, Sterling Oil brazenly proceeded with excavation despite ongoing legal proceedings, without addressing the concerns of the communities or responding to legal communications.
The company’s actions appear to violate human rights, with the initial plan being to route the pipeline behind Owoi Creek, an undeveloped and safer area.
Also speaking, Amb. Chukwuyenum Kind Uzor, Secretary of Afor United, said the communities protested against the location of the pipeline and noted that the route changed in April as the company brought soldiers to chase the people away and continued with their plans.
Uzor said; “This is not how responsible companies should engage with host communities. The pipeline will traverse our developing residential areas, which will result in irreparable environmental damage and harm to local biodiversity, the legal petition states.
“We demand strict adherence to our position on this matter, including adequate compensation and community development projects as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021,” he said.
Taking a critical look at the situation, Dr Otive Igbuzor, a human rights advocate, called for a review and audit of Sterling Oil’s environmental compliance, verification of proper consultation procedures, and Assessment of alternative route feasibility.
He said; “This situation represents a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental protection, constitutional rights, and corporate accountability. Immediate intervention is required to prevent a potential environmental disaster and protect the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens in Delta State.
“The convergence of environmental risks, constitutional violations, and corporate overreach demands urgent attention from government authorities, regulatory bodies, and civil society organisations,” he said.
Also commenting on the matter, the Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, noted the utter disregard of the welfare of the communities in the Niger Delta and the lack of regard to their environment.
According to Bassey; “Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd has no right whatsoever to place its pipeline close to the community when the community has offered them a safer, better route that doesn’t endanger them.
“What does Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd want? To bomb the peaceful community? They should stop work immediately and reroute the pipeline,” he insisted.
The communities have therefore demanded the immediate cessation of all construction activities by Sterling Oil, pending proper consultation and agreements as well as the re-routing of the pipeline behind Owoi Creek as was initially planned.
They also demanded for a Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment conducted by accredited agencies and meaningful community consultation with legitimate stakeholders, and adequate compensation and community development projects as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
The communities further demanded that the company stick to the community-proposed route behind Owoi Creek, as it would ensure minimal impact on residential areas, water sources, and livelihoods.
Other demands by the communities included; “Inclusive dialogue with all affected communities, and Regular updates and community involvement in decision-making”.
In the same vein, civil society groups recommended that all concerned parties particularly government should intervene and halt construction pending a proper environmental assessment, and to also begin an investigation into Sterling Oil’s compliance with Nigerian environmental laws, and enforce the constitutional rights and property protections of the Afor communities.
