Amnesty International Nigeria Calls for Niger Delta Cleanup

Amnesty International Nigeria has called for urgent action to tackle persistent oil pollution in the Niger Delta, urging the Federal Government to evaluate its effects on public health, water resources, fisheries, and agriculture. At the launch of its report titled "Nigeria: Lifting the Lid" in Port Harcourt, Dominic Twomey, Campaign Network Coordinator for Business and Human Rights, presented findings based on various documentary evidence, including internal emails and court documents related to Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State.

The report critiques Shell’s historical operations in the Niger Delta and emphasizes that ongoing cleanup efforts in Ogoniland should not be seen as a solution for pollution in other areas. Amnesty International Nigeria's Director, Isa Sanusi, stated the organization would engage the Federal Government and write to President Bola Tinubu regarding the report.

The organization also called for a well-funded environmental restoration fund and urged the UK and Netherlands to enhance requirements for multinational companies regarding human rights and environmental assessments.