Executive Summary
The indigenous communities of Afor Clan in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State are facing an urgent environmental and constitutional crisis due to Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd.’s controversial and illegal pipeline project. Despite strong community opposition and ongoing legal proceedings, the company has proceeded with construction through residential areas, raising serious concerns about environmental safety, proper consultation, and constitutional violations.
Background
Sterling Oil began exploration activities in the Afor Clan communities five years ago. In April 2025, the company returned to secure permissions for a pipeline running gas heads in these locations to its Flow Station in Beneku, which would affect five communities: Okolori-Afor, Ogbetitit-Afor, Umuachi-Afor, Ogbedigbo-Afor, and Obetim-Uno.
The pipeline is located near the Health Centre, as well as homes, schools, and passes through farms. The community had initially laid out the route through which the pipeline would follow through a map it designed to accommodate the company, showing the safer options.
The immediate risks associated with the pipeline project include serious health hazards, as the pipeline runs less than 100 metres from the only health centre serving the entire Afor region, thereby depriving communities of their only healthcare access. It also poses environmental risks, threatening water sources, biodiversity, and agricultural lands, as well as significant safety concerns due to the potential for explosions, leaks, and contamination in densely populated areas.
Core Issues and Violations
During a community visit, it was discovered that the community has a history of legal disputes with the company. Multiple protest letters have been submitted to Sterling Oil by the communities, although no response has been received. The communities, however, have secured legal representation through qualified law firms, and a petition to the National Assembly has been submitted through Hon. Nnamdi Eziechi (Ndokwa/Ukwuani Constituency). However, the petition is still pending a final hearing at the National Assembly, and Sterling Oil has proceeded with excavation despite ongoing legal proceedings, without addressing the concerns of the communities or responding to legal communications.
The company’s actions appear to violate human rights, with the initial plan being to route the pipeline behind Owoi Creek, an undeveloped and safer area. The route through residential areas of communities poses a direct threat to the homes, schools, and community infrastructure. The company has failed to present a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to the affected communities, nor has it engaged in meaningful dialogue with legitimate community representatives. The project violates Sections 43 and 44 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens’ rights to own property and protect against forceful takeover of landed properties.
The communities require immediate action to be taken, which includes the following:
The cessation of all construction activities by Sterling Oil, pending proper consultation and agreements. The re-routing of the pipeline behind Owoi Creek is as initially planned.
Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment conducted by accredited agencies.
Meaningful community consultation with legitimate stakeholders, and adequate compensation and community development projects as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
The communities further demand that the company stick to the community-proposed route behind Owoi Creek, as this will ensure minimal impact on residential areas, water sources, and livelihoods. They demand inclusive dialogue with all affected communities, and
Regular updates and community involvement in decision-making.
Safety and Environmental Concerns
Civil society groups recommend that the following recommendations be made to all concerned parties: for government authorities to immediately intervene and halt construction pending a proper environmental assessment, begin an investigation into Sterling Oil’s compliance with Nigerian environmental laws, and enforce the constitutional rights and property protections of the Afor communities.
They further call for the review and audit of Sterling Oil’s environmental compliance, verification of proper consultation procedures, and Assessment of alternative route feasibility.
This situation represents a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental protection, constitutional rights, and corporate accountability. Immediate intervention is required to prevent a potential environmental disaster and protect the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens in Delta State. The convergence of environmental risks, constitutional violations, and corporate overreach demands urgent attention from government authorities, regulatory bodies, and civil society organisations.
HOMEF’s Demand
We keep seeing this utter disregard of the welfare of our communities and any regard to their environment. Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd has no right whatsoever to place its pipeline close to the community when the community has offered them a safer, better route that doesn’t endanger them. What does Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd want? To bomb the peaceful community? They should stop work immediately and reroute the pipeline.
Contact Information
Community Representatives include Mr. Cletus Ifeadime, Leader of Afor United, and Amb. Chukwuyenum Kind Uzor, Secretary of Afor United, can provide additional information and documentation regarding community concerns.
Legal Representatives: Ngozi Chukura & Co. in Asaba, Delta State, and E.C. Ofime & Co. in Lagos are handling the legal aspects of the community’s case and can provide official statements regarding ongoing proceedings.
Political Representative: Hon. Nnamdi Eziechi in the House of Representatives has received the community’s petition and can speak to the legislative response to these concerns.
This report is based on official documents, legal petitions, and community statements dated August 2025. All stakeholders are urged to take immediate action to address these legitimate concerns and prevent potential environmental and social catastrophes.
