ONC Raises Environmental & Community Concerns Over Proposed Ogbele LNG Plant

Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress (ONC), has called for stronger environmental safeguards and clearer community benefits before final approval is granted for the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Ogbele, OML 54, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The position was contained in a technical paper issued by the ONC following the public review of the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Casino Hotels, Port Harcourt.

Although the ONC President General, Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe JP, AP, was not physically present at the meeting, the position paper reflected the concerns and demands of the organisation under his leadership regarding the potential environmental, health, economic and social impacts of the proposed project.

The ONC expressed concern over what it described as inadequate baseline health and environmental data, insufficient documentation of consultations with host communities, and the need for clearer and measurable mitigation measures relating to gas emissions, effluent discharge, noise and possible impacts on livelihoods.

Among its key demands, the organisation called for a comprehensive health baseline study of Ogbele and neighbouring communities, independent quarterly monitoring of air, water and soil quality, effective emergency response systems, and measures to prevent harmful discharges into the Orashi River and surrounding waterways.

The ONC also called for full compliance with relevant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act on Host Community Development Trusts, alongside employment and business opportunities for qualified indigenes and youths from Ogbele and the wider Orashi region.

It further requested improved infrastructure, including an access road, potable water, healthcare facilities, renovation of the community secondary school and the establishment of a technical training centre for oil and gas-related skills.

The organisation also emphasised the need to protect farmlands, fishing grounds and cultural sites, with fair compensation and livelihood restoration for residents whose economic activities may be affected by the project.

In the position paper, Ibe stated that the ONC is not opposed to development, but wants the proposed LNG project to promote responsible investment, environmental protection and meaningful development for the host communities.

He noted that Ogbele has hosted oil exploration activities for decades and argued that the experiences of the past should inform stronger environmental and developmental safeguards for the new project.

The ONC therefore, urged the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that the identified safeguards and community benefits are clearly incorporated into the final EIA and made enforceable through an agreement involving the project proponent, Ogbele Community, Ahoada East LGA and other relevant stakeholders