Nigeria's Delta region is home to vast oil reserves, which make the country one of the world's biggest oil exporters. But the region remains poor, undeveloped and driven by conflict. A recent report commissioned by Shell said the level of conflict in the region was comparable to Colombia and Chechnya. Attacks on Shell installations have forced a 10% drop in Nigeria's oil production (see BBC report, January 2006).
According to the Friends of the Earth Nigeria's Shell report 2005, the entry of Shell into the Niger Delta and their entrenchment in this captive land have become emblematic of all that the peoples of the tropical world are crying against in the hydrocarbon extraction endeavour. The Nigerian Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recently made scathing remarks as regards the corporate giant’s bent in Nigeria. Shell was characterised as being nothing short of a plain parasite in the country, making criminally huge profits from the joint venture agreement between the corporation and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
"While ERA issues this report in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the execution of the Ogoni patriots, we call the attention of all to the fact that the battle for a safe Niger Delta environment is far from being won. Obsolete pipes are still being used by the oil corporations; spills remain a matter of routine; social and moral disruptions are entrenched; toxic gases continue to be released through gas flares; poverty has turned even more".
"Not even the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC), which are supporting Shell in Nigeria are paying any attention to the destruction that their “investment” could cause, nor are they prepared to address community concerns that increased oil and gas extraction activities will exacerbate impoverishment in the oil bearing areas and Nigeria in general".
"As part of its development assistance, the governments of the United States and Britain will render military assistance to Nigeria. Under this arrangement, the US is sending soldiers and arms to Nigeria to train Nigerian soldiers and protect oil installations in the Niger Delta area. New army barracks and naval bases will be built as the “international community” seeks to protect the interest of transnational oil companies such as Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil. This development is generating panic among communities in the oil bearing Niger Delta who have been at the receiving end of military brutality". Source: "The Shell report: continuing abuses in Nigeria - 10 years after Ken Saro Wiwa", see see full text, pdf format.
Oil companies in Nigeria: Royal Dutch/Shell, Chevron, Mobil, Texaco, Agip and Elf
