A prominent Nigerian environmentalist has accused oil giant Shell of causing environmental and health crises in the Niger Delta, branding the company’s actions as “environmental terrorism” and “environmental racism.” Alagoa Morris, Deputy Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), voiced his frustration over the long-standing ecological damage caused by oil spills and gas flaring during an interview.
“What they wouldn’t dare do in the Netherlands or the UK, they carry out recklessly here in the Niger Delta,” said Morris. His remarks follow a landmark UK Court of Appeal decision allowing the Bille and Ogale communities to sue Shell for allegedly devastating their land and waterways through oil spills.
The case represents a pivotal moment in the pursuit of environmental justice for Nigerian communities, many of whom have suffered the consequences of decades of pollution. Morris criticized Shell for exacerbating these problems by engaging in harmful practices, such as burning contaminated areas, which intensifies the environmental damage.
A report by the Bayelsa State Environment and Oil Commission revealed that residents of Bayelsa State are routinely exposed to crude oil pollution, with severe health consequences. “The studies point to alarming health trends—stillbirths, cancer cases among young people, and a range of other illnesses directly linked to oil pollution,” Morris explained.
He also highlighted the broader impact of oil industry practices, noting that pollution from spills, gas leaks, and ongoing flaring has devastated local ecosystems, disrupted livelihoods, and undermined socio-economic stability in affected regions.
Morris urged young Nigerians to join the fight for a cleaner environment, emphasizing the power of social media in advocating for change. “The future belongs to the younger generation,” he said. “They must raise their voices, demand accountability, and fight for a safer, more sustainable environment.”
The Niger Delta, a region rich in oil but plagued by pollution, has long been a focal point for activists seeking to hold corporations accountable. The ongoing lawsuit against Shell is seen as a critical step toward justice for communities that have endured years of environmental degradation.
As the world watches, the case underscores the urgent need for corporate responsibility and the global implications of environmental justice.
