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To pursue the legal case properly will require about 180,000 euros per year. That’s a lot of money, but it can be done. We believe in this cause and are convinced that there are enough people to actively support us and the Nigerian people in this case. It is ultimately a matter of justice and decency.

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Shell and Nigeria: who benefits?
Legal case in the Netherlands
A question of justice and decency

Shell and Nigeria: who benefits?

Shell has been active in Nigeria for many decades. Local people have been calling more and more forcefully for Shell to account for the severe damage it causes through oil leaks and gas flaring. In Nigeria, Shell has been found guilty in a number of cases, but the company has employed every means possible to extend the cases indefinitely. Even when the victims stand their ground and the court finds in their favour, the sentences are often not executed. That’s why Milieudefensie, together with Friends of the Earth is supporting the initiatives of the Nigerian people and groups who are now pleading their case before the Dutch court.

Cove near Goi. Chief Bariza of Goi: 'All my land was devastated by the oil leak in 2004: the fishing pond, the canoes, the vegetable garden and the fruit-bearing trees. I have been left with nothing and I hope that the Dutch court can force Shell to do the right thing.'

Legal case in the Netherlands

In November 2008, four Nigerian victims of Shell oil leaks, together with Milieudefensie, brought a legal case against Shell in the court in The Hague. Shell alleged that the Dutch court did not have jurisdiction over Shell Nigeria. The court dismissed this claim in a judgement in late 2009. The case will now further address the content of the case and Shell’s liability.

The four victims come from four different villages. They have lost their livelihoods and food supply due to the oil which leaked from Shell pipelines. In addition to compensation, they demand that Shell clean up the oil that remains on the land, so that they can again fish and farm.

A question of justice and decency

The legal case which now follows is unique. It is the first time that a Dutch corporation has been called to account before a Dutch court for damage done abroad. Shell will do everything it can to avoid a decision being passed against it. The victims, with support from Milieudefensie, will have to do everything in their power to demonstrate Shell’s responsibility for people and the environment.