In response to the news that two Nigerian communities, which have been devastated by oil spillsthey have presented claims against Shell in London High CourtMark Dummett, Director of Business and Human Rights at Amnesty International, said:
“More than 13,500 residents of the communities of Ogale and Bille in the Niger Delta have filed claims against Shell asking that company clean up oil spills who they say have destroyed their livelihoods, poisoned their wells, and contaminated their land and water, meaning they can no longer farm or fish.”
“Amnesty supports these two communities in the Niger Delta, who have been seven years litigating against Shell to demand that the company clean up the damage caused and compensate them for their lost livelihoods.”
“Shell announced in 2021 that it plans to sell its oil fields and assets in the Niger Delta after 60 years of highly lucrative operations in the area. It is worrying that Shell has failed to explain how it plans to address widespread contamination before selling and leaving and systemic caused over years in Nigerian communities in connection with their operations.”
“This case is now going to trial to determine whether Shell’s parent company in London, as well as its Nigerian subsidiary, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), are legally responsible for the harm caused to communities in Nigeria.”
Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said:
“It is difficult to imagine that if this level of contamination had occurred in Europe or North America, there would not have been swift and severe consequences and legal remedies. Shell must clean up the pollution that oil has caused in these communities and compensate those whose livelihoods have been devastated and their health damaged.”
