At Sterling Petrochemicals and Fertilisers Limited (SPFL), we have always placed the highest value on safety, responsibility, and care for the communities where we operate. Despite these strong commitments, we deeply regret the unfortunate road accident that occurred on October 15, 2025, along the Ete community axis in Akwa Ibom State, which sadly resulted in the loss of two lives, while one person remains in critical condition and another was injured; both are receiving medical attention. Early findings and eyewitness reports show that the accident occurred at night, when a motorcycle, trying to overtake another vehicle, collided with a truck managed by one of SPFL’s logistics.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and to the entire Ete community. The company has reached out through community leaders to offer its support and is working closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant authorities to ensure a full and transparent investigation.
In line with the Compensation Act, we have promptly reported the incident to the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), and the necessary statutory benefits will be provided to the affected families along with company’s necessary support to the families Affected by Ete Incident.
Our commitment to maintaining safe and sustainable operations runs deep, guiding everything we do. Long before this tragic event, we had put in place several road safety initiatives across our operational routes to prevent accidents and to further strengthen it, the company is taking the following measures to avoid any such incidents in future.
1. These include the distribution of free reflectors to local motorcyclists,
2. Discouraging overloaded riders through community awareness of its threat to life.
3. Safety awareness campaigns discouraging unsafe riding, stricter speed checks for company trucks.
4. Deployment of suitably equipped flag man at all accident-prone areas, mostly during hours of darkness.
5. Due process initiated for separate road safety personnel and the deployment of trained flagmen at high-risk areas—especially during low-visibility hours.
We are also partnering with the FRSC to strengthen road safety monitoring and increase personnel presence in critical zones.
As part of our continuous commitment to safety and innovation, we have introduced several technology-driven platforms, including a real-time digital incident reporting system, a digital Unsafe Act and Unsafe Condition (UAUC) reporting tool, Safety Observation Reporting Tracking (SORT), and a streamlined e-Permit to Work (PTW) system. These platforms are designed to enhance transparency, strengthen compliance, and ensure prompt responsiveness across our operations.
We take every concern about safety and welfare as a priority. Our drivers and field operators undergo regular training and are held to strict safety protocols. We are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the recent accident and will take all necessary actions to prevent future occurrences.
At SPFL, we also remain committed to fairness, transparency, and respect in our workplace. We strongly deny recent claims suggesting unfair labour practices or slavery. We take pride in providing a respectful work environment, competitive compensation, and full compliance with all labour laws and regulations.
Recently, we were honoured with an Excellence Award by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State, in recognition of our exceptional contributions to community development and humanitarian services. The award, presented by Correspondents Chapel, commended our initiative-taking engagement with host communities and our unwavering commitment to building sustainable relationships.
We remain deeply committed to safety and sustainable community development. We will continue to build and further strengthen our partnerships with communities to contribute positively to the well-being of our workers and host communities. SPFL ensures support to families affected by Ete Incident.
Niyi Bamidele
Head, Human Resource Department.
Sterling Petrochemicals and Fertilizers Company Ltd.
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