The Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the release of compensation for communities affected by the 2011 Bonga oil spill linked to Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo).
Gatekeepers News reports that the group urged the President to work with relevant authorities to release the $3.6 billion penalty connected to the spill, stressing the need for transparency in managing the funds and ensuring they reach affected communities.
In a petition signed by representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, and Rivers States, the fishermen highlighted the severe environmental and economic damage caused by the spill, which destroyed marine life and crippled the fishing industry.
The petition was also copied to top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, NOSDRA Director-General Chukwuemeka Woke, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The spill, caused by equipment failure at Shell’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading facility, released about 40,000 barrels of crude oil into the Atlantic Ocean, affecting coastlines across the Niger Delta.
The fishermen called for a fair and timely resolution, urging the federal government to support the recovery of the affected communities in line with national development goals.
They expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to the region and asked that the matter be resolved in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
