Communities in Eket and Ibeno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have announced plans to pursue legal and advocacy action against oil companies operating in their region over alleged environmental pollution, public health risks, and widespread ecological damage.
The decision was reached during a town hall meeting organised by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) in Akwa Ibom State, marking the end of the Africa Week of Action themed “Kick Polluters Out of Nigeria.”
Growing Environmental and Health Concerns in the Niger Delta
Participants at the meeting expressed deep concern over the long-term environmental degradation linked to oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta. Environmental experts at the forum warned that life expectancy in the region has dropped to between 40 and 47 years, significantly below Nigeria’s national average.
The communities attributed this decline to persistent exposure to hydrocarbon pollution, gas flaring, contaminated water sources, and destruction of farmlands and fishing ecosystems.
Allegations Against Oil Companies
Residents accused several International Oil Companies (IOCs), including TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Seplat, of contributing to environmental damage while operating under the banner of corporate social responsibility.
They further alleged that regulatory oversight has been weak, with government agencies failing to adequately respond to oil spill incidents or enforce environmental accountability.
According to CODAF Project Manager Endurance Oriakhogba, the environmental crisis has had cumulative health and economic impacts on host communities.
He referenced a major 2024 oil spill that allegedly affected over 27 coastal communities in Ibeno Local Government Area, severely contaminating water bodies and disrupting fishing livelihoods.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
Community leaders at the meeting also criticised compensation processes, alleging that affected residents rarely receive adequate restitution after oil spill incidents.
A youth leader in Eket, Hon. Michael, said regulatory institutions had failed to respond effectively to environmental complaints, leaving communities without legal protection or institutional support.
Another resident, Asan Ekong, accused oil companies of attempting to distance themselves from environmental responsibility, citing the removal of company branding from local projects and operations as suspicious.
He also alleged that corruption between corporate actors and some community or government representatives has worsened the environmental crisis.
Shift From Protest to Legal Action
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to move from protest-based advocacy to structured legal and environmental justice action aimed at holding polluters accountable.
CODAF pledged support for a non-violent campaign focused on legal advocacy, environmental justice, and economic accountability for affected communities.
The campaign will target oil companies operating in the region while pushing for stronger regulatory enforcement and environmental remediation efforts.
Broader Context: Niger Delta Environmental Crisis
The Niger Delta has long faced challenges linked to oil exploration, including:
- Chronic oil spills
- Gas flaring and air pollution
- Contaminated water systems
- Loss of fishing and agricultural livelihoods
- Rising health risks in host communities
These issues continue to fuel tensions between host communities, government regulators, and multinational oil companies operating in the region.
The growing resolve by Eket and Ibeno communities signals a new phase in environmental activism in the Niger Delta—one increasingly focused on legal accountability, corporate responsibility, and environmental justice rather than protest alone.
As the planned legal action unfolds, attention will remain on how regulatory agencies, oil companies, and government institutions respond to mounting pressure from affected communities demanding environmental restoration and justice.
