After ten years of legal disputes, the Preliminary Issues Trial concerning Shell’s oil spill liabilities to the Ogale and Bille communities in Nigeria is scheduled to take place at the UK High Court from 13 February to 10 March 2025.
The case stems from claims filed by residents of these communities who allege that their livelihoods were destroyed and their homes damaged by repeated oil spills caused by Shell’s operations.
The pollution, which severely harmed the local environment, decimated fish populations, destroyed plant life, and contaminated drinking water, left thousands of people facing long-term economic and health hardships.
The communities initially sought justice in the UK courts, but Shell’s legal team repeatedly delayed the proceedings, arguing that the company bore no legal responsibility for the environmental damage. This prolonged delay has caused significant disruption to the lives of those affected. On 6 December 2024, the UK Court of Appeal ruled in favour of proceeding with the case, paving the way for the legal battle to continue. Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Country Director for Nigeria, highlighted the severe and lasting impact of Shell’s operations on the local communities, calling for justice and remediation for the damage caused, which has left many unable to farm, fish, or access clean water.
Representing the Ogale and Bille communities, Leigh Day law firm will argue the case under Nigerian law, with the aim of clarifying several legal questions regarding Shell’s liability under both Nigerian private and constitutional law. The High Court trial will also serve to establish the legal framework for future proceedings. Amnesty International has long documented the human rights and environmental violations caused by Shell’s oil extraction in the Niger Delta, urging the company to engage in meaningful consultations with affected communities and to provide comprehensive remediation and compensation plans. The case is viewed as a crucial step towards holding multinational corporations accountable for environmental damage and upholding the rights of affected communities.