By Faridat Salifu
Members of the Niger Delta communities affected by the 2011 Bonga oil spill have recently staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, demanding the enforcement of a compensation award against the oil giant, Shell.
The protest, held in Abuja on Monday, aimed to draw attention to the $3.6 billion compensation owed to the communities for the environmental and economic damages caused by the spill.
The Bonga oil spill, occurring on December 20, 2011, resulted in the release of approximately 40,000 barrels (6.4 million liters) of crude oil into the Gulf of Guinea.
This had a devastating impact on communities across Niger Delta states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta.
The spill hindered fishing activities, caused significant environmental damage, and exposed residents to health risks.
Despite a Federal High Court in Lagos upholding the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency’s (NOSDRA) authority to impose fines and compensation totaling $3.6 billion on Shell, the company has contested the decision.
While the court’s judgment affirmed NOSDRA’s duty to assess damages and enforce penalties, Shell’s preference for litigation over compliance has hindered the process of compensating the affected communities.
The protesters called on the government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, to intervene and ensure that Shell fulfills its financial obligations before leaving the country.
They expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding its investigation into the insurance funds released to Shell for compensation, signaling an alleged cover-up.
The protesters highlighted the detrimental effects of the oil spill on their livelihoods, emphasizing the urgency of receiving the compensation owed to them by Shell.
They seek swift resolution and justice for the impact of the Bonga oil spill, aiming to restore their community and livelihood.
The matter remains pending in a UK court, as the affected communities continue to advocate for the enforcement of the compensation award.