Shell denies responsibility for death of aquatic creatures in Niger-Delta.

Abiola Seun

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) yesterday said it was not responsible for the fish kill incident along the Niger Delta coastline states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers, and other places within the region.

Recall, that an Environmentalist, Mr Furoebi Akene, has alleged that the dead fishes littering Niger Delta coastline were caused by the discharge of toxic chemicals from Shell’s operations at Forcados Oil Export terminal.

Akene, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Centre for Environmental Preservation and Development (CEPAD), said in Yenagoa that there was no oil spill linking the massive death of fishes floating near the Atlantic coastline in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.

Akene further alleged that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) always discharged toxic materials in the Atlantic off Delta coastline at Ogulagha.

However, other environmentalists have argued that toxic waste is the least cause of the death of the fish kill which they said affected only a specie of fish (croaker).

However, in a press statement, the Media Relations Manager, Shell Nigeria, Bamidele Odugbesan said there was no release of dangerous, toxic or chemical substances from its operations at the Forcados Oil Terminal.

According to him, even though relevant government agencies are investigating the cause of the fish kill, none of its facilities in Ogulagha or any part of the Niger Delta where the company operates releases toxic waste.

He said,

“Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) hereby clarifies that there is no release of dangerous, toxic or chemical substances from its operations at the Forcados Oil Terminal, or from its facilities in Ogulagha or any part of the Niger Delta where the company operates.

“Relevant government agencies are already investigating the alleged fish kill incident along the coastline in the Niger Delta and SPDC is supporting the investigations.

“The Nigeria Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) was widely reported to have clearly stated that there is no evidence that oil and gas operations may have impacted the aquatic environment as being claimed in respect of the fish kill incident.”

He however disclosed that the company is supporting all government agencies investigating the fish kill to unravel the causes.”On our part, we are working with the relevant government agencies and the Delta State Ministry of Environment in the investigation of the allegation.