Sterling Petrochemical & Fertilizer Limited Accused of Environmental Devastation, Illegal Land Grabbing, and Human Rights Violations in Akwa Ibom State
Sterling Petrochemical & Fertilizer Limited Accused of Environmental Devastation, Illegal Land Grabbing, and Human Rights Violations in Akwa Ibom State
The Chiefs, leaders, and people of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State have raised alarm over the alleged illegal and oppressive activities of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited (SPFL), an Indian-owned company operating in the region. The community leaders accused SPFL of environmental destruction, forced displacement, and blatant disregard for Nigerian laws and human rights.
In a press conference held on Thursday, January 30 at Villa Hilton Hotel and Apartments, Uyo, the Obolo people highlighted a litany of grievances against SPFL, including the illegal closure of federal waterways, planned forceful displacement of villages, and severe environmental degradation. The company’s operations, which began in 2021, have reportedly plunged the host communities into a humanitarian crisis, with over 20 lives lost to a recent cholera outbreak linked to the lack of access to clean water and medical care.
The communities of Ikonta, Obianga, Okoroinyong, Egwenwe, Emereoke, Iwofe, and Amazaba, whose ancestral lands were acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government in 2022 for SPFL’s operations, have accused the company of illegally closing critical waterways. These creeks, including Okolo Obianga/Ikonta and Okolo Otuita, serve as the only access routes for the island communities to markets, hospitals, and schools.
Despite a subsisting court injunction from the Akwa Ibom State High Court (Suit No. HU/387/2023) prohibiting the closure, SPFL, allegedly aided by military personnel and militants, has blocked these waterways. This has left thousands of residents stranded, unable to access essential services or transport goods. The communities claim this is a deliberate strategy to force them out of their ancestral homes.
“This is not just negligence; it is a calculated act of oppression designed to break our spirit and displace us,” said His Royal Majesty, Uboon (Elder) Harry John Etetor, IIile IX, Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, during the tone setting at the press conference.
The leaders also accused SPFL of plotting to forcefully displace the people of Ikonta and Obianga villages. They revealed that the company has ignored a 2022 agreement brokered by former Governor Udom Emmanuel, which explicitly stated that the villages would not be relocated.
Furthermore, SPFL has been accused of breaching environmental laws, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act. The company has allegedly failed to provide an EIA report or a detailed environmental management plan to mitigate the damage caused by its operations. Reports from environmental experts indicate a decline in agricultural activities, surface water pollution, and irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
“The operational activities of SPFL do not align with any of the 17 global goals of sustainable development adopted by the United Nations,” the leaders stated.
SPFL has also been accused of encroaching on over 3,000 hectares of land, far exceeding the 1,736 hectares officially acquired. The company has allegedly annexed land belonging to the Lagos fishing settlement, displacing local fishermen without providing the promised 23 hectares of habitable land for resettlement.
The community leaders further accused SPFL of violating Nigeria’s Local Content Law and expatriate quota policies. They claimed that the company has employed over 1,000 Indian workers, many of whom are allegedly undocumented immigrants, in roles that should be reserved for locals.
“These Indians have taken over all categories of employment, including menial jobs like cleaning and cooking, which should be the exclusive preserve of our people,” the leaders said. They also alleged racial discrimination in terms of wages, working conditions, and welfare packages.
Despite operating in the region since 2021, SPFL has been accused of failing to execute any meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. The communities highlighted the lack of basic amenities, including clean drinking water, which has exacerbated the recent cholera outbreak in Emereoke.
The Eastern Obolo communities have issued a 14-day ultimatum to SPFL, demanding the immediate reopening of blocked waterways, cessation of displacement plans, and payment of $100 million in compensation for environmental damage, and $30 million for trespass and encroachment into their ancestral land which does not form part and parcel of the acquired 1736 hectares of land. They also called on the Federal Government and international organizations to investigate SPFL’s operations and hold the company accountable.
“If SPFL fails to address our demands within 14 days, we will deploy all legal means, including peaceful protests, to press home our demands,” the leaders warned.
The press conference concluded with a resolute declaration from the Eastern Obolo people: “We will not stand by while our people are oppressed, displaced, and our land destroyed. SPFL must comply with Nigerian laws or leave our country.”
The allegations against SPFL have sparked outrage among human rights and environmental activists, with calls for immediate intervention by the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Federal Government, and international bodies.
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