Amnesty warns on ‘seriously alarming’ Nigeria oil spills

Amnesty International said two major oil companies operating in Nigeria reported a combined 553 oil spills in 2014, a figure that qualifies as a national emergency. The rights watchdog said that analysis of the latest figures released by both companies established that Anglo-Dutch Shell reported 204 spills last year, while the Italian major ENI admitted 349. Amnesty said that, by contrast, only 10 spills were reported across all of Europe between 1971 and 2011.

These figures are seriously alarming. ENI has clearly lost control over its operations in the Niger Delta. And despite all its promises, Shell has made no progress on tackling oil spills.

Audrey Gaughran, Amnesty’s Global Issues Director

Amnesty also questioned the credibility of the figures provided by the companies concerning the total amount of oil spilled as a result of the 553 incidents, which it believes to be a “significant underestimate.” The delta has been devastated by oil-related pollution for decades, creating resentment among a local population which has also largely missed out on the benefits of Nigeria’s vast energy wealth because of corruption.

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