Home / Business and Economy / Shell Pipeline Leaked for Years Despite Internal Warnings
Shell Pipeline Leaked for Years Despite Internal Warnings
3 Jun
Summary
- Shell knew its Nigeria pipeline caused pollution, internal documents reveal.
- Staff warned of risks from oil theft and infrastructure failures in 2008.
- Communities seek $1 billion for environmental and health damages.
Shell continued operating a significant oil pipeline in Nigeria for years, despite internal knowledge of widespread pollution caused by oil theft and infrastructure failures. Internal documents obtained in 2024 reveal that a senior executive warned of these risks as early as 2008. The pipeline, which Shell sold last year, was a major asset but consistently suffered from spills and illegal tapping.
Communities in Nigeria's Niger Delta have filed a lawsuit seeking $1 billion, alleging severe environmental and health damage from over 100 spills between 2011 and 2013. Decades of oil spills have scarred the landscape, contaminating wetlands and livelihoods. Residents report once-rich fishing grounds turning toxic.
Internal communications from 2008 and 2012 highlight disagreements among executives regarding the risks of continuing operations, with some sections of the pipeline flagged as "red" due to extensive illegal connections. Despite these concerns, operations were often permitted to continue. Shell stated decisions were complex, factoring in widespread criminality, and that they worked with authorities to address issues and clean up spills regardless of cause.
