Tensions Flare Over Siting of Sterling Oil Pipeline Amid Signs of Community-Company Engagement

In the quiet riverine communities of Afor Clan in Ndokwa East, Delta State, unease has been brewing. A major gas pipeline project, currently under construction, has become the subject of growing tension between local residents and the company executing the work, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO).

The pipeline, according to reports, cuts through five communities—Okolori-Afor, Ogbetitit-Afor, Umuachi-Afor, Ogbedigbo-Afor, and Obetim-Uno. What began as a technical infrastructure development has now evolved into a social flashpoint, with residents voicing concerns over safety, environmental degradation, and the potential violation of property rights.

One of the most alarming aspects for locals is the pipeline’s proximity to sensitive community infrastructure.

In a report released recently, Home of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) noted that sections of the pipeline pass within 100 meters of a primary healthcare centre and several schools. It further raised concerns about the lack of accessible environmental documentation, particularly the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which residents claim has not been formally presented to them.

The report also highlighted that community stakeholders had proposed an alternative route behind Owoi Creek—an alignment they believe would have reduced safety and environmental risks. However, the option was reportedly not adopted, leaving locals uneasy about potential impacts on homes, farmland, and community institutions.

Residents also cite a lack of transparency around the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which they say has not been made available or explained to them.

Legal experts cited in the report also flagged possible violations of Sections 43 and 44 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee property rights and prohibit compulsory acquisition without due process or adequate compensation. Community groups have since written protest letters, secured legal representation, and submitted a formal petition to the National Assembly. The matter, according to reports, is still pending a legislative hearing.

The sense of vulnerability is palpable. Residents worry not only about the noise and disruption that come with construction, but about broader environmental fears as well: disruption of farmland, contamination of water sources, and threats to local biodiversity. With the area already under environmental pressure, the pipeline project has heightened anxiety about long-term ecological consequences. “This isn’t just about land—it’s about life,” one local was quoted as saying.

Despite the concerns, SEEPCO maintains that the project is being executed in compliance with all legal, environmental, and safety regulations. The company has community liaison teams on the ground and says it remains open to dialogue with stakeholders.

From its standpoint, the pipeline is a vital infrastructure investment; one designed to boost Nigeria’s energy supply and support economic growth. The company emphasizes that no part of the project is intended to compromise the well-being of residents or the sanctity of community spaces such as schools, farms, or clinics.

Assurances have been given that the company is working closely with regulators and government agencies, and that it prioritizes the safety, health, and property rights of its host communities. According to field observations, the project team is aiming to deliver shared value while maintaining a transparent and responsible approach.

The situation in Afor Clan underscores a broader national tension: how to reconcile the urgent need for energy infrastructure with the equally critical obligation to protect communities and their environment.