A Nigerian court has ordered Royal Dutch Shell to pay us $1.5 billion as damages for causing pollution in the state of Bayelsa located in the Niger Delta.
The court upheld a resolution by the Nigerian National Assembly, which said that Shell should pay the money to the ethnic Ijaw communities in the state.
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, the Nigerian arm of Shell, said it had appealed against the judgment on, among other grounds, the strength of independent expert advice, which demonstrates that there is no evidence to support the claims of the group". The appeal will lead to lengthy procedures before the case is settled.
Communities have accused Shell of spilling oil into the rivers and swamps of the Niger Delta, spoiling crops and driving fish away. But Shell claims most spills were caused by saboteurs trying to steal the oil.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.