– Cite environmental, constitutional violations
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Communities in Afor Clan, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, have accused Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. of pushing ahead with an “illegal and dangerous” pipeline project despite strong opposition, pending litigation, and unresolved petitions before the National Assembly.
The pipeline, which cuts across Okolori-Afor, Ogbetitit-Afor, Umuachi-Afor, Ogbedigbo-Afor, and Obetim-Uno, runs less than 100 metres from the only health centre serving the clan and passes through residential areas, schools, and farmlands.
Community leaders say the project contravenes Nigeria’s Constitution and violates basic environmental safeguards.
The communities argue that the project violates Sections 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens’ rights to own property and protection from unlawful acquisition.
They also insist the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 provides for adequate compensation and community development, which Sterling Oil has allegedly ignored.
The Afor communities are demanding an immediate halt to construction, a rerouting of the pipeline behind Owoi Creek as originally agreed, a comprehensive EIA by accredited agencies, and inclusive consultations with legitimate stakeholders.
Mr. Cletus Ifeadime, President of Afor United, the umbrella organisation representing the affected communities, said the project threatens lives and livelihoods.
“We are not against oil and gas development, but we cannot accept a pipeline running through our homes, schools, and health facilities. Sterling Oil promised to route the pipeline behind Owoi Creek, away from residential areas, but instead they are bulldozing through our towns.”
Community representatives maintain that Sterling Oil has neither presented an Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA,nor engaged in meaningful consultations. Instead, they allege, the company has ignored protest letters, disregarded legal processes, and pressed on with excavation.
Amb. Chukwuyenum Kind Uzor, Secretary of Afor United, recounted how attempts to resist the controversial route were met with force.
“When we protested the route change in April, they brought soldiers to chase us away and continued with their plans,” he 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.”
Civil society groups have also urged regulators and government authorities to intervene swiftly, investigate Sterling Oil’s compliance with environmental and constitutional requirements, and enforce the rights of the host communities.
Human rights advocate, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, called the situation a test case for corporate accountability.
“This 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.”
Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation, HOMEF, was more scathing in his criticism, “We keep seeing this utter disregard of the welfare of our communities,” he said.
“Sterling Oil has no right whatsoever to place its pipeline close to the community when a safer route exists. What do they want? To bomb the peaceful community? They should stop work immediately and reroute the pipeline,” Bassey added.
Already, a petition filed by Hon. Nnamdi Eziechi, representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, is before the National Assembly, but the hearing is yet to be concluded.
In the meantime, Sterling Oil is pressing on with work, raising fears of escalation.
