Indorama Won’t Negate Environmental, Climate Change Policies In Its Operations

MUDASHIRU TAWAKALITU OLUWATOYIN

Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Ltd has restated its commitment to full implementation of its policies on environment and climate change in its areas of operation.

The company made the commitment while reacting to an allegation of unhealthy environmental practices by an Advocacy body, Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative titled “Unhealthy Environmental Practices of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Petrochemicals Ltd.”

Pilex Centre, had in a statement by its executive director, Courage Nsirim-Ovu, at the weekend accused Indorama of causing environmental and health harm to its host community.

Nsirim-Ovu stated:  The research has shown that solid chemicals are capable of causing leukemia, cancer, respiratory disorder, etc.That this practice in Indorama is akin to gas flaring activities of SPDC and other multinational companies in Nigeria who pollute the environment by flaring gas and oil spills, thereby exposing communities to dermal contact, inhalation and ingestion of carbon, methane, sulphur, etc.

“Pilex Centre carried out public and environmental and public health impact assessment of some communities in the Niger Delta and is preparing a legal suit on gas flaring and environmental pollution in this regard against the companies who claim they have divested and the ones who claim they have acquired the investment.”

But in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Justice Tienabeso Bibiye, Indorama emphasised commitment to its occupational health safety and well-being policy hinged on integrity and excellence.

The statement noted that the issues raised are already brought before a court of competent jurisdiction

The statement issued on Saturday, 13 September, 2025, urged Pilex Centre and Mr. Okpabi who initiated the legal action to exercise patience and allow a logical conclusion of the judicial process, while urging members of the public to ignore the accusations which Indorama said are unfounded.

“That Pilex Centre and Mr Okpabi are plaintiffs in Suit No. NICN/PHC/28/2025-PILEX CENTRE FOR CIVIC EDUCATION INITIATIVE & COMRADE OKPABI JOSIAH JONATHAN VS OBEWONLTD & IEFL filed on May 5, 2025 at the National Industial Court in PortHarcourt and adjourned to 14 and 15 October, 2025.”

“That both Pilex Centre and Mr. Okpabi are also plaintiffs in another Suit with case No. NICN/PHC/27/2025-OKPABI JOSIAH JONATHAN VS OBEWON LTD & IEFL still before the National Industrial Court in PortHarcourt, and adjourned to 14 October, 2025″ it says.

“Indorama reiterates that as good corporate citizen of Nigeria, it has over the years demonstrated consistently, its commitment to strict adherence to laws of the land, total compliance to judicial processes.

“The company further restates commitment to full implementation of its policies on environment and climate change as well as the occupational health safety and well-being policy hinged on integrity and excellence,” the statement read.