Chevron Nigeria Must Act Now to Address Devastating Oil Spill from 2005 Offshore Platform, Says Group
A coalition of community groups and environmental organizations, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, has issued a strong call to action, demanding that Chevron Nigeria Limited take immediate responsibility for a persistent oil spill that occurred on April 12, 2005, at its Berthing Operational Platform (BOP) offshore in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In an open media statement, the affected communities of Ilaje LGA expressed their outrage over the ongoing environmental degradation caused by Chevron’s operations. They highlighted that despite years of suffering from oil spills, gas flaring, and ecosystem destruction, the company has failed to adequately address the damage or provide compensation.
The statement condemns Chevron’s continued negligence, noting that the spill has severely polluted local waters, destroyed marine life, and devastated the fishing and farming livelihoods of local residents. “This recurring spill has deepened existing gender inequalities, increasing economic vulnerability and social marginalization—especially among women and children who depend on fishing and farming for their survival,” the coalition declared.
The communities, supported by civil society organizations including CAPPA, called on Chevron to take urgent action. They outlined specific demands, including:
– Immediate cessation and containment of the leak to prevent further environmental harm.
– Thorough clean-up efforts involving community oversight to restore the affected ecosystem.
– Environmental and health assessments to understand and mitigate impacts, along with urgent medical and livelihood support.
– Fair compensation for all those affected, especially women and vulnerable groups whose livelihoods have been compromised.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasised the urgency of the matter: “Chevron’s pattern of environmental negligence cannot be tolerated. The communities of Ilaje have suffered for too long. It’s time for the company to accept its responsibilities and act decisively to restore their environment and livelihoods.”
The affected communities warn that failure to act could result in further social and ecological collapse, urging Chevron to prioritise human rights and environmental stewardship in its operations.
As the long-standing spill continues to threaten the health and economic stability of Ilaje residents, the call for accountability and action grows louder. The affected communities and their advocates remain hopeful that Chevron Nigeria Limited will heed their demands and uphold its corporate social responsibilities.