Oil Giant Shell Blocks UK Courts From Hearing Niger Delta Pollution Lawsuit- Wants Case Heard In Nigeria

Oil Giant Shell, has succeeded in halting a case of oil spillage brought against them by more than 40,000 Nigerians by blocking the trial in English courts. 

The company flexed its muscles announced that a judge in London has ruled that the court does not have jurisdiction to try actions by two Nigerian communities over oil spillage in the Niger Delta.

Royal Dutch Shell (RDS) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) argued that the cases should be heard by a Nigerian court but the communities believe they will only get “justice” in an English courts. Representing the communities Barr. Leigh Day, says the claims are over “extensive environmental damage caused by oil pollution”. The law firm announced it is planning to appeal the ruling. It is believed Shell are on the back foot and prefer to be fined by a Nigerian court rather than a UK court that fully understands the lasting devastating effect oil pollution has on the eco-system.

Igo Weli, general manager for external relations at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), said: “The court rightly decided these claims should be dealt with by the Nigerian courts 

“Both Bille and Ogale are areas heavily impacted by crude oil theft, pipeline sabotage and illegal refining, which remain the main sources of pollution across the Niger Delta. The judge correctly decided that the holding company, Royal Dutch Shell, had no legal responsibility for harm to the communities in the Niger Delta caused by criminal interference in Nigeria with the operations of a joint venture in which the Nigerian government owns a majority interest.

“We hope the strong message sent by the English court today ensures that any future claims by Nigerian communities concerning operations conducted in Nigeria will be heard in the proper local courts. Nigeria is a core part of the Shell Group’s upstream business. We see considerable potential for growth in Nigeria and are determined to help Nigeria unlock its energy potential over the long term.