ExxonMobil has refuted allegations of an oil spill from its facilities in Akwa Ibom, asserting that no oil leak has occurred. Ogechukwu Udeagha, the Regional Communication Manager for ExxonMobil, addressed the issue following a protest by youths from the Ibeno Local Government Area on Monday. The protesters claimed that a massive oil spill from an ExxonMobil facility had polluted local farmlands and rivers, halting farming and fishing activities.
Udeagha stated that no official reports have linked the company’s facilities to any oil leak. A preliminary inspection by a government agency did not identify ExxonMobil’s operations as a potential source of the alleged spill. He emphasized that protecting the environment and supporting host communities are priorities for the company.
The protestors, led by community leader Paul Essiet, called for ExxonMobil to take responsibility, initiate negotiations, and ensure the immediate containment and remediation of the alleged pollution.