Environment

‘Proposed Expansion Of Indorama Detrimental To Our Environment’

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2024

A group, Alliance for the Defence of Eleme, a non-governmental organisation has alleged that the proposed expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals and Fertilizer Company Limited will lead to further destruction of the Eleme environment.
According to a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, the planned expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals and Fertilizer Company Limited without proper environmental impact assessment will further destroy the Eleme environment.
It therefore, called on International finance institutions to suspend their proposed financial support to the company for its expansion project.
The release further said the expansion project is even against a subsisting Court order against further expansion of the company owing to the destruction of its environment.
It particularly urged the African Development Bank, EAIF and the International Finance Corporation, to suspend financial support to Indorama Petrochemicals limited pending the resolution of the issues.
The group argued that providing financial support to Indorama when a court of competent jurisdiction has restrained it from further polluting its environment will amount to environmental crime against the people of Eleme.
Signed by Johnson Emere Mba Ngei, the leader of the group, the release says: “I am writing to you on behalf of the Alliance for the Defence of Eleme to express our grave concerns regarding the recent decisions to provide financial support to Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and Fertilizer Company Limited for the expansion of their operations in Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria.
“We understand that the African Development Bank, the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have all committed financial assistance to Indorama for various projects in Nigeria.
“While we acknowledge the importance of infrastructure development and economic growth, we must emphasise the legal and ethical implications of providing financial assistance to a company currently embroiled in legal proceedings.
“It is crucial for you to be aware that there is a subsisting court order, at the Federal High Court Port Harcourt with suit No: FHC/PH/CS/23/2024, restraining Indorama from further pollution of our environment,’’the group said.
“This court order underscores the serious environmental and social justice concerns surrounding Indorama’s operations in Eleme. Providing financial support to Indorama at this time could be seen as being culpable of an environmental crime or enabling actions that are in contempt of court and detrimental to the well-being of the local community.

The release said that the people of Eleme have endured severe environmental degradation of their land by Indorama Petrochemicald and fertilizer company limited adding that this has resulted to severe health impact on the people.

“The people of Eleme have endured severe environmental degradation and health impacts as a result of Indorama’s operations

. “The continued expansion of these operations without proper environmental safeguards and compliance with legal requirements poses a direct threat to our health, livelihoods, and future generations.

“In light of these circumstances, we urge all three organizations to suspend their decisions to provide financial support to Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and Fertilizer Company.

“We believe that continuing to fund a company facing legal challenges and environmental concerns contradicts the principles of responsible investing and sustainable development that your organizations uphold and makes you an accomplice to the said environmental crime.

Therefore, we urge the African Development Bank, EAIF, and IFC to suspend the provision of financial support to Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and Fertilizer Company until the legal matter is resolved in court.

“We further request that the suspension of financial assistance be publicly announced in at least three national dailies in Nigeria within the next seven days from this publication .
Should any of the organizations fail to take appropriate action to suspend financial support and address our concerns, we will have no choice but to pursue legal action against them for their role in enabling industrial genocide and social injustice in Eleme.

By: John Bibor

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.