Shell Faces Human Rights Claims Over Oil Pollution In Niger Delta.
By Caroline Ameh
A High Court in London has granted over 13,000 Nigerian farmers and fishers from the Ogale and Bille communities in the Niger Delta the right to pursue legal action against Shell. This decision follows years of chronic oil pollution affecting their water sources and disrupting their way of life.
Mrs Justice May’s recent ruling signifies a pivotal moment, acknowledging the alleged breach of the villagers’ right to a clean environment under both the Nigerian constitution and the African charter on human and people’s rights. Crucially, these rights have no time limitations for claims.
Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), admitted responsibility for spills and claimed to adhere to Nigerian regulations by compensating affected parties. However, the company refutes direct responsibility toward the claimants, denying any duty of care.
Matthew Renshaw, representing the villagers, highlighted the significance of this ruling in their eight-year battle against Shell, accusing the company of using technicalities to delay justice. The focus now shifts to a trial where the claimants seek comprehensive cleanup and compensation for the environmental damage.
Despite Shell’s insistence on attributing pollution primarily to theft and sabotage in the Niger delta, the claimants remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. This recent ruling opens the door for a trial where the communities can present their case in full.
A subsequent hearing for additional legal arguments is scheduled for December 12 and 13.
