Eket and Ibeno communities in Akwa Ibom State have resolved to take action against polluting oil companies operating in their areas, unveiling a strategic roadmap aimed at pushing out firms accused of environmental degradation.
The position followed reports by environmental experts that life expectancy in the Niger Delta region has dropped to between 40 and 47 years, about 15 years below the national average.
The communities made their position known during a town hall meeting organised by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) in Akwa Ibom State to mark the end of the Africa Week of Action, themed: “Kick Polluters Out Of Nigeria.”
Participants at the meeting highlighted the environmental, health and economic impact of the activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the state, accusing firms such as TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and Seplat of perpetuating pollution under the guise of corporate social responsibility.
They also criticised the Nigerian government’s response to oil spill incidents, citing corruption and a lack of accountability.
Project Manager of CODAF, Endurance Oriakhogba, attributed the 15-year life expectancy gap to the cumulative effects of hydrocarbon pollution, including contaminated water sources, respiratory diseases linked to gas flaring and the destruction of agricultural livelihoods.
“In August 2024, over 27 coastal communities in Ibeno LGA were heavily impacted by a major spill allegedly linked to an international oil company’s offshore facility. The spill severely polluted local water bodies and disrupted fishing activities.
“France officially banned the granting of new exploration licenses and aims to phase out all active extraction operations by 2040. Total Energies is a French owned multinational integrated energy and petroleum company. France is banning domestic extraction, but not French-owned extraction abroad,” Oriakhogba stated.
A youth leader in Eket community, Hon. Michael, also criticised the government’s handling of oil spill incidents, alleging that regulatory agencies had failed to respond adequately to the concerns of affected communities.
He claimed that compensation payments are rarely made and, when approved, often do not get to those directly affected, leaving communities without effective legal or institutional support.
Another community member, Asan Ekong, raised concerns about Seplat, alleging that the company had recently begun removing its insignia from projects and staff uniforms within the community.
He interpreted the development as an attempt to distance the company from environmental damage linked to its operations and further accused oil firms of fuelling corruption among community leaders and government officials.
The meeting ended with a collective commitment by Eket and Ibeno communities to move from protest to legal and advocacy action, while CODAF pledged support for a non-violent campaign aimed at holding polluters accountable.
Participants said the campaign would focus on legal, economic and advocacy measures to address environmental pollution and its impact on livelihoods in the affected communities.
Blessing Ibunge in
