In the heart of an oil-producing region where billions of naira are reportedly allocated for development, a disturbing reality has emerged. A recent field investigation by Tracka, a public accountability organization, has uncovered the harrowing state of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) serving the Ndon Eyo 2, Ikot Inyang, and Ikot Iyan communities.
Despite their status as oil-bearing areas, these communities—with a combined population exceeding 4,000 residents—are currently being served by a facility that has become more of a hazard than a haven.
A Death Trap in the Name of a Clinic
The Tracka team described a scene of absolute dereliction. The PHC, which is supposed to provide life-saving care, currently lacks the most basic human requirements: running water, electricity, and functional toilets.
The structural integrity of the building has reached a breaking point. The roof is severely damaged, leading to constant flooding during rainfall, while several doors have fallen off and windows are entirely missing. These openings have turned the clinic into a habitat for dangerous wildlife.
“This has created an environment where snakes and other reptiles can easily enter the premises, putting lives at serious risk. The absence of these basic features makes the PHC unfit for purpose and dangerous for use,” the Tracka report stated.
Medical Equipment and Basic Amenities Non-Existent
The neglect extends beyond the architecture. According to the report, there is no functional hospital equipment or basic medical tools available to health workers. Without electricity, the facility is plunged into darkness at night, rendering it impossible to handle emergencies or preserve essential vaccines and medicines that require cold storage.
The contrast between the wealth generated by these communities and the state of their public infrastructure has sparked a wave of outrage regarding the accountability of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Demand for Urgent Intervention
The report serves as a direct appeal to Governor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, and federal agencies. Advocates argue that the continued abandonment of the facility is a violation of the residents’ fundamental rights.
“It is unacceptable that communities contributing to the nation’s wealth are left to suffer in conditions like this,” the report noted, calling for an immediate rehabilitation and equipping of the facility.
Stakeholders are now waiting for a formal response from the NDDC and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to address what has been described as a symbol of abandonment.
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