Niger Delta Communities Demand $1bn Bonga Spill Compensation

Niger Delta fishermen and affected coastal communities are expressing urgent concerns over the prolonged delay in the disbursement of a $1 billion indemnity fund, which they claim was paid by Britannia Steamship Insurance Association Limited as compensation for the December 20, 2011 Bonga oil spill. This environmental disaster, caused by a rupture at Shell’s Bonga Floating Production, Storage and Offloading facility, released approximately 40,000 barrels of crude oil into the Atlantic Ocean.

Community representatives, including Omogbemi Jeremiah and Jeje Olamiyeye, stated that the delay has worsened economic hardship, unemployment, and food insecurity among artisanal fishermen and coastal households in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo states. They allege that despite the indemnity payment, the funds have not reached legitimate beneficiaries, depriving local economies of vital resources.

The fishermen have petitioned various government agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and have sought intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, urging for the immediate release of the compensation fund.