Access Africa Findings Reveal Indorama Activities Allegedly Cause Cancer In People Living In Eleme Communities

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Access Africa for Rights and Development Initiative is implementing a project: “Mitigating the Negative Impact of Indorama Chemical in Aleto, Akpajo and Ogale, Eleme, Rivers State”. 

This project is responding to chemical threats on Aleto, Akpajo and Ogale communities in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State. Aleto hosts Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited (IEFCL) – the largest producer of granular urea in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2012, IEFCL has been discharging chemical waste into community land/waters. 

This harmful practice is polluting community waters and rendering some lands unfit for cultivation, thus, displacing farmers and regressing food security/safety. The project's Goal is to Uphold community rights to clean water and sanitation, better health, and sustainable livelihood. 

The primary objective is to improve IEFCL’s compliance with the Environmental and Social Management System that IEFCL submitted to the International Finance Corporation and the Nigerian Government. 

Key activities include Establish and register a 10-member Community Vanguard for Anti-Pollution (COVAP) with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment; train COVAP on Advocacy; collaborative (Access Africa, partnering governmental institutions and COVAP) study of impact of IEFCL’s chemical waste on Aleto people; and using findings to engage government/IEFCL. 

The figures below represent a subset of the overall achievement recorded in the 2025 project year.

As part of the project activities, on September 13, 2025, a team of scientists that comprised environmental consultants, Ebic Integrated Services Limited (NESREA Certified) Laboratory personnel, NESREA representatives, Sample collectors, members of Community Vanguard for Anti-Pollution (COVAP), community women, Access African’s staff and project consultant started field trips to Akpajo, Aleto and Ogale communities in Eleme LGA, Rivers State for an environmental baseline study. 

Based on geo-reference maps with precise sampling stations/coordinates, appropriate sampling equipment/materials and regulatory interface, the team collected soil and control samples at the depth of 15 meters and 30 meters; surface water and control samples from Akpajo-River, Aleto-Okulu River and Ogale-Okulu Rivers; soil sediments and control samples from the 3 Rivers; ground water and control samples; air quality and controls samples; and plants (cassava) and control samples.

 The samples were deposited at Ebic Integrated Services Limited for preservation and laboratory analysis to ascertain the existence of heavy metals, physico-chemical parameters and nutrient levels.

Again, on December 30, 2025, Access Africa completed the final phase of its baseline survey in the Aleto, Akpajo, and Ogale communities in the Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State.The protracted survey occasioned by the ethical processes of the Rivers State Health Study procedures, was conducted by medical personnel. 

Laboratory Scientists collected 90 blood samples from residents for laboratory analysis to ascertain IEFCL's impact on their bloodstream, while Medical Doctors commenced the assessment of 360 health records from local health facilities to capture health trends. 

This baseline outcomes is  contributing to the global knowledge and also aid community/project team to productively engage IEFCL's management for improved operations.

The baseline study, which was carried out between October 2025 and February 2026, unveiled environmental problems linked with high incidences of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Respiratory Tract Infection, Fetal Disorder, and Infertility across the communities. 

On March 11, 2026, Access Africa organized a validation event for the baseline study on the negative impact of the operations of IEFCL on the environment and residents of Aleto, Akpajo and Ogale communities in Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria. The validation event presented to the participants a wanton negative impact Indorama Chemicals on the people and environment of Aleto, Akpajo and Ogale. 

Participants at the event included community members (Chiefs and all members of COVAP), Rivers State Government, Civil Society Organisation, the Academia and the media.

This is part of activities on the "Mitigating the negative effect of Indorama Chemicals on Aleto (Akpajo and Ogale)" project implemented by Access Africa, funded by GEF Small Grants Programme, United Nations Development Programme