Shell’s Environmental Legacy in the Niger Delta
Since the late 1950s, Shell has carved out a powerful presence in Nigeria’s oil industry. However, this dominance has come at a significant cost to the people of the Niger Delta. Decades of neglected pipelines, relentless oil spills, and widespread gas flaring have left deep scars on the land and its communities.
Consider this: independent assessments reveal staggering figures – over 110,000 barrels of oil have leaked into the environment since 2011, with Shell directly responsible for about half of that. The year 1978 saw a catastrophic spill of approximately 580,000 barrels, contaminating vast stretches of farmland and waterways. The fallout from such disasters is far-reaching; countless residents suffer from toxic water and air, lost livelihoods, and persistent health issues.
A Brief History of Legal Scrutiny
As public awareness grows, Shell’s accountability has come under increased scrutiny:
– In 2021, a landmark ruling by the Dutch Court of Appeal found Shell liable for oil spills in Nigeria, affirming that the company had neglected its duty of care.
– Communities in Ogale and Bille have been fighting back since 2015, suing Shell in UK courts over contaminated water. Preliminary proceedings wrapped up in March 2025, while the trial is set for 2027.
– In 2009, Shell reached a settlement of $15.5 million with the Ogoni victims linked to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa’s movement, although the company denied any wrongdoing.
The $12 Billion Cleanup Demand: Who’s Taking Action?
At the forefront of the latest legal battle is King Bubaraye Dakolo, the revered Ekpetiama monarch and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers’ Council. The monarch’s legal actions was prompted by Shell’s recent divestment of $2.4 billion in Nigerian assets as it shifts to offshore operations. Now, he has taken his community’s fight to the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, backed by civil society groups like Social Action Nigeria and HOMEF. Their message is clear: Shell’s departure from Nigeria must hinge on a comprehensive cleanup of the devastation left behind.
What Is the Lawsuit Demanding?
The lawsuit seeks an impressive $12 billion for environmental remediation, the decommissioning of obsolete infrastructure, and compensation for the communities affected by Shell’s operations. Importantly, it aims to block any asset sale or divestment by Shell until these demands are met. The suit challenges Shell’s planned divestment of onshore and shallow-water assets, now acquired by Renaissance Africa, arguing that it violates Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 and the constitutional rights to a clean environment for local communities.
Current Developments of Court Proceedings Underway
The first mention hearing took place on June 20, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Yenagoa. The court has granted permission for Shell entities in the UK and Netherlands to be served the lawsuit. Proceedings are adjourned until July 22, 2025, for a substantive hearing.
Shell’s Position
We will not accept abandonment.”
Isaac Asume Osuoka, the director of Social Action Nigeria, one of the parties to the lawsuit, told AFP that “Shell wants to exit with profit, leaving behind toxic air, poisoned water, and broken communites.”
While Shell has yet to release an official public statement regarding the lawsuit, reports have indicated a tendency for the company to attribute spills to “sabotage” or oil theft, asserting compliance with environmental regulations; claims that have faced substantial legal challenges.
This unfolding situation continues to attract attention as communities seek justice for the impacts of decades of environmental neglect.
The Naija Lowdown Writer 