Amnesty Accuses Shell of Neglecting Niger Delta Infrastructure, Calls for Comprehensive Cleanup

In a recent report, Amnesty International has accused Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of failing to maintain its oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, contributing to persistent pollution and environmental degradation. The report, titled ‘Business as Usual: Shell’s neglect of human rights and the environment in the Niger Delta’, outlines numerous instances of oil spills, gas flaring, and other environmental hazards allegedly caused by the neglect of SPDC’s facilities. According to Amnesty, these issues have persisted for decades, impacting the livelihoods and health of millions of people in the region. The human rights organization has called for a region-wide cleanup of the Niger Delta, as well as for SPDC to take immediate steps to address the environmental hazards caused by its operations. This accusation comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Nigerian government, multinational oil companies, and communities in the Niger Delta, who have long accused the companies of exploiting the region’s resources while neglecting the needs of local people. ThisDayLive reports that the Nigerian government has not yet responded to Amnesty’s demands.