The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has strongly criticized the Nigerian government for its failure to take decisive action against oil giant Shell in the wake of another devastating oil spill. MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, has called for the immediate evacuation of residents in the Eleme communities of Rivers State.
In a statement released on Friday, MOSOP expressed deep concern over the oil spill originating from a facility operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The affected localities include Ogale, Aleto, Agbonchia, Onne, Okpaku, and Alesa.
Nsuke highlighted the government’s lack of strict sanctions against Shell as one of the primary reasons for the recurring problem of oil pollution in the region. He accused the oil giant of insincerity with regards to addressing the issue of oil spills and decommissioning its facilities in Ogoniland. “The fresh spill is proof that Shell is clandestinely operating its facilities in Ogoniland and has not decommissioned them,” Nsuke emphasized.
According to Nsuke, Shell and the Federal Government have claimed to be implementing the recommendations from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 2016. However, the latest spill reveals a stark contrast to these claims, casting doubt on their commitment to environmental preservation.
Highlighting the lack of consequences faced by polluters in Nigeria, Nsuke urged the government to address this issue urgently. He stressed that people’s lives are being severely impacted by constant pollution without anyone being held accountable. “Environmental pollution continues to thrive in Nigeria because there are little or no consequences for the polluters,” Nsuke added.
In response, Michael Akande, spokesperson for Shell, acknowledged the spill at a facility in Eleme on June 11, 2023. He stated that the company is collaborating with the Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers Ministry of Environment, and community representatives in the ongoing investigations to determine the cause and impact of the incident.
As the MOSOP continues to push for tougher measures against Shell and a more proactive stance from the Nigerian government, it remains to be seen whether this latest oil spill will galvanize meaningful action towards preventing further environmental degradation in the region.
