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Ikot Ebidang Residents Decry Harm from Gas Flaring

Published

9 months ago

February 19, 2026

Ikot Ebidang gas flaring sparks health and environmental concerns, with residents urging government intervention and company accountability

Residents of Ikot Ebidang in Onna Local Government Area have raised urgent alarms over the impact of gas flaring and oil exploration activities on their community, citing environmental degradation, health hazards, and disrupted livelihoods.

Also read: NNPC Gas Joint Venture Boosts CNG, LNG Supply in Nigeria

The community hosts Natural Oilfield Service (Sterling Global), whose operations have reportedly caused noxious gas emissions, excessive noise, and soil and water contamination.

Community stakeholders highlighted corroded rooftops from combustion residues, declining crop yields, polluted rivers, and increasing cases of heat- and skin-related ailments.

“The soil nutrient is reducing and the gas flare has altered aquatic life. Our forest and rivers are polluted. We are dying, we need help,” one resident stated during a dialogue on renewable energy.

Residents have demanded a renegotiation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) granting the company access to their lands, calling on the Akwa Ibom State government to halt flaring near residential areas and ensure that associated gas is piped away.

The communique stressed the need for compensation for livelihood losses and the provision of adequate healthcare facilities to mitigate ongoing impacts.

Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), described gas flaring as illegal and a violation of human rights in Nigeria, warning of serious long-term health consequences, including reproductive issues, cancers, and blood disorders.

He pledged support to help the community achieve environmental justice.

Environmental advocates Umo Isua-Ikoh and Edem Edem urged residents to document evidence of oil spills and gas flare impacts in real time, including photographs with GPS data and samples for testing, to strengthen potential legal actions and long-term monitoring.

The experts also recommended that the operating company provide renewable energy solutions to mitigate environmental harm, while the government must prioritise routine environmental monitoring and air quality inspections.

They emphasised training and deploying local environmental advocates to safeguard the community’s health and environmental integrity.

Also read: Chevron Nigeria Reaffirms Strong Commitment to Sustainability

“Continued flaring within the community worsens health outcomes, environmental degradation, and community vulnerability,” the communique concluded.

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Lagos Issues Heat Advisory as El Niño Strengthens, Warns of Extreme Temperatures

Published

6 hours ago

November 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The Lagos State Government has issued a heat advisory, warning residents to prepare for possible extreme temperatures as the El Niño climate pattern strengthens and the state transitions into the dry season.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the advisory on Sunday, noting that the emerging conditions could lead to increased heat discomfort, dehydration, dry spells, dust and deteriorating air quality.

He identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable.

“As Lagos prepares for possible extreme heat conditions associated with the strengthening El Niño climate pattern and the transition into the dry season, I urge all residents to take necessary precautions to protect their health and wellbeing,” Wahab said.

The commissioner noted that Lagos is especially vulnerable due to its high population density, rapid urbanisation, limited green spaces and densely built-up environment, which can intensify the urban heat island effect.

Residents were advised to drink sufficient water regularly, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, seek shade and well-ventilated spaces, and reduce strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.

Wahab also called on schools, markets, workplaces and other public facilities to provide adequate ventilation, drinking water and shaded areas. He urged community leaders, market associations, business owners and employers to prioritise the safety of outdoor workers and other at-risk groups.