By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In Ibeno, Esit‑Eket, Mkpat Enin, Oron and other oil-bearing communities in Akwa Ibom State, relentless gas flaring by companies including ExxonMobil has transformed once-prosperous fishing and farming villages into zones of environmental devastation.
Flares burn day and night, releasing heat, soot and toxic gases such as benzene, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, leaving residents with respiratory ailments, skin disorders and poisoned water. Chief John Bassey reports, “When the rain falls, it is often oily and dirty because of the pollution.” Agricultural lands are barren, soils acidified and fishing yields have plummeted, worsening food insecurity and economic hardship. Environmental microbiologist Professor Joseph Essien warns that continued flaring exacerbates climate instability, acid rain and ecological collapse.
Despite Nigeria’s anti-flaring laws, enforcement is weak and communities remain uncompensated. Experts call for immediate cessation, strict regulatory oversight and investment in clean gas capture to protect human lives and restore livelihoods.
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