NIGERIA

Under the onslaught
of international criticism,
Shell Nigeria, the Anglo-Dutch oil giant which had
perpetrated one of the worst
environmental crimes in
Ogoniland, is trying desperately to redeem its image. As
a first step toward reconciliation with local leaders, It has
proposed to clean up all oil
spills in Ogoniland and restart local development projects in the troubled territory
on the condition of safety.
Said Brian Anderson, managing director, Shell Nigeria,
"All we need to start the
process is the assurance of all
Ogoni communities that our
staff can work safely in
Ogoniland." The company
had to pull down its shutters
in Ogoniland three years ago
after its staff was threatened
and its plants were attacked
by sections of the Ogoni
movement, mosop. They
blamed Shell of causing
serious damage to the environment. The movement
snowballed into a big controversy climaxing with the
hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa
and nine other Ogonis
(Down To Earth, Vol 4,
No 14).