Shell pumped oil through Nigeria pipeline for years despite pollution evidence, documents show
Summary
Shell continued to operate a major oil pipeline in Nigeria for years despite knowing it was causing widespread pollution. Internal company documents show Shell ignored warnings about the environmental risks, while local communities have suffered damage to their health, homes, and livelihoods.Key Facts
- Shell knew since 2008 that pumping oil through a pipeline in Nigeria risked serious pollution but kept operating it.
- The pipeline was damaged by oil theft and technical failures, causing many oil spills in the Niger Delta region.
- Local communities like Bille, made up of river islands, say the pollution destroyed their fishing grounds and income.
- Shell’s internal documents were revealed during a UK court case by Niger Delta residents seeking $1 billion in compensation and environmental cleanup.
- Since 1958, an estimated 13 million barrels of crude oil have spilled in Nigeria from at least 7,000 incidents.
- Shell argues much pollution came from illegal oil theft, sabotage, and makeshift refineries.
- Oil theft involves criminal gangs stealing oil from pipelines and refining it illegally in hidden camps.
- The Niger Delta has a long history of environmental damage and conflict related to oil production.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.