July 14, 2022
Representatives and leaders of Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria from the five Niger Delta states, who were victims of Shell Bonga oil spill, on Wednesday, called on the President, to prevail on multi-national oil giants in putting an end to the environmental degradation and pollution in the region; and take responsibility for the destruction they had caused over the years.
The fishermen, at a press conference in Benin, Edo State, lamented that the continuous effect of the activities of oil companies had not only destroyed their main source of livelihood, but also posed a serious threat to the people’s health.
Speaking through their lawyer, who is also the Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria and winner of the 2022 Goldman Environment Prize for Africa, Chima Williams, the group sought a workable solution to the environmental despoliation arising from operations of the oil companies.
While commending President Buhari for the positive steps in environmental protection and preservation over the years, Williams equally appealed to the President to ensure that petroleum extractive companies are compelled to live up to their responsibility of restoring the environment.