Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Sterling Oil Exploration Company Limited, warning the firm to revert to its lawful land allotment or face strict sanctions for violating the terms of its land grant and unlawfully encroaching into communities in Eastern Obolo and environs.
In a letter signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, the State Government expressed “deep displeasure” over what it described as the company’s illegal operations and blatant disregard for regulatory provisions governing land use and environmental safety.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government views with serious concern the encroachment by Sterling Oil beyond its legally assigned portion of land. The actions of the company amount to a clear breach of the terms under which the land was allocated and a violation of both environmental and community rights.”
The government in the letter ordered the oil company to submit, within seven days, comprehensive documentation on all its land acquisitions and Right of Way approvals in the state. In addition, Sterling Oil must present a certified copy of its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, ESIA, report, submitted as part of its regulatory compliance requirements.
Also included in the government’s demands is the immediate restoration of all blocked canals and waterways allegedly obstructed by the company’s operations.
“These infractions have negatively impacted the natural water channels, and the company must desist from any future interference with the ecological integrity of host communities,” the letter warned.
While maintaining a pro-business policy, the State Government reiterated that corporate interests must not be allowed to override the wellbeing of citizens or the environmental sustainability of Akwa Ibom communities.
“We are committed to fostering investment and economic growth, but not at the expense of the rights of our people and the health of our environment. Operators within our jurisdiction must comply with the law or be prepared to face enforcement actions.”
The Attorney General further noted that Sterling Oil operates under the legal framework of the Oil and Gas Free Zone, which requires strict compliance with environmental, social, and legal obligations.
The State Government reaffirmed its resolve to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the welfare of host communities, signaling a possible regulatory showdown should the company fail to meet the ultimatum.
