Residents of Ikot Ebidang, in Akwa Ibom State, have raised concerns over the effects of gas flaring linked to oil and gas exploration activities in their community, citing environmental damage, health challenges and disruption to daily life.
Ikot Ebidang hosts oil and gas operations by Natural Oilfield Service (Sterling Global). Community members reported persistent gas emissions and noise from flare sites, which they said have affected living conditions and forced some residents to relocate temporarily.
Residents also pointed to visible environmental effects, including corroded rooftops attributed to combustion residues, reduced crop yields and changes to aquatic ecosystems. These concerns were expressed during a community dialogue on renewable energy, where participants highlighted cases of heat exposure, skin rashes and other health-related complaints.
A community stakeholder stated that gas emissions are noticeable upon entering the area and that flare-related noise is most pronounced in the evenings. According to residents, the condition of farmlands, forests and rivers has deteriorated since the commencement of operations.
Community representatives acknowledged that oil activities commenced following agreements involving the company, government authorities and the host community. However, they called for a review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to better address environmental protection, pollution control and community welfare.
In a communiqué, the community urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to suspend flaring activities within residential areas and called on the operating company to channel associated gas away from the community. The statement also requested compensation for livelihood losses and improved access to healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the dialogue, environmental expert Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), said gas flaring remains illegal in Nigeria, particularly in inhabited areas. He noted that prolonged exposure could pose long-term health and environmental risks.
Participants were also advised to document environmental impacts in real time. Facilitators from the Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) and climate finance experts stressed the importance of photographic, geographic and material evidence to support possible regulatory or legal actions and long-term environmental monitoring.
