The Shell Petrolium Development Company of Nigeria limited (SPDC) had its operations in the Niger Delta since 1958 which turned a hundle to the development of Ogoniland .Consequenlty the Ogoni people had suffered enviromental problems caused mainly by operational and criminal factors.It is reported that operational causes come from human error or equipment failure forming spills to the land.While criminal causes are due to oil theft ,sabotage and illegal refineries causing a great environmental damage.The SPDC's progress in takling spills web site remarks.
The extent of the problem prompted the formation of the environment assesment team in the Ogoniland under the United Nations E nviroment Programme (UNEP). In its report the UNEP revealed that the situaiona was critical though restoration can be made taking 25-30 years.T he report showed great health acquatic and pollution impact.The oil production caused soil and ground water contamination,naturally occuring radio active materials,surface water and sediments contamination,fish contamination ,impact of oil contaminants on vegetation,damaged mangroves ,impact on air pollution and public health . However, the report revealed measures both immediate and long term to be taken for restoration.
Though Nigeria has big tribes such as Yoruba, Hausa and Ibo, oil is on the land of the minority groups such as Efik,Ibiro,Edo, Ijaw,Isoko,IkereKarabali, Isekeri and Ongoni.There little number have given them no say in issues on resource allocation and development Charity Nenebari reports the worst hit is Ongoniland.
Ongoni is a distinct ethnic group in Nigeria , the land forms part of the eastern Niger delta.Covering a total of area of 404 sq mile (1000)it forms part of the coastal plain terrraces which appears like gently sloping plateau.The Ongoni number is estimated to be 500,000 people.
Before colonialism it experienced a well established social system with rich plateau soil,fresh water streams ,surrounding seas with fish,forests with animals,hard working and compretent farmers and fishermen.
The prevailing situation in Ongoniland has compled its people to raise and form the Movement for Survial of the Ongoni people (MOSOP) a desire to stop ... to cry for extinction planned against ogoniland through improverishment ,marginalisation,depression, suppression ,oppression ,degradation ,devastation and destruction. MOSOP advocate for basic human rights.
Crude oil spilled in the Niger Delta swamps of Bodo, a village in Ogoniland
Photograph: Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images
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