Communities in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, including Ikot Ebidang and nearby villages, have taken legal action against Natural Oilfield Services, also known as Sterling Global, over alleged environmental damage caused by the release of toxic gas during drilling operations.
According to the plaintiffs, the incident occurred between August 21 and 23, 2023, when the company was conducting appraisal well drilling.
They claimed the operation released hazardous substances into their surroundings, contaminating water bodies, destroying marine ecosystems, and damaging mangroves across 27 different communities.
The affected communities, through the A’Ibom Oil Community Development Network—an advocacy organization—filed two separate suits (HFC/UY/CS/32/2024 and HFC/UY/CS/33/2024) at the Federal High Court in Uyo.
They are urging the court to declare the company’s drilling activities unlawful and unconstitutional, citing the absence of professional safety and environmental precautions before the operation commenced.
The suits also argued that the company’s actions violate key provisions of the Nigerian Constitution as well as Articles 16 and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The plaintiffs referenced sections 25 and 26 of the 2021 NOSDRA regulations, which govern oil spill response and environmental accountability.
In a statement issued in Uyo by Apostle Ufot Phenson, President General of the Network, the communities are also demanding fair and adequate compensation for the destruction suffered. They argued that the gas discharge deprived them of their means of livelihood and caused health and environmental harm, in contravention of international standards that hold polluters financially responsible.
Apostle Phenson revealed that the company’s preliminary objections were recently struck out by the court, clearing the way for full hearings.
He called on members of the affected communities and the general public to attend the next court session scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
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