The people of the Niger Delta have history of oppression and marginalization that began in 1901 with the British colonization of Nigeria. Since 1908, the exploitation of oil reserves in Ogoniland has lead to a massive amount of pollution due to recurring spills and continuing gas flares. The Ogoni people are primarily subsistence farmers and fishers, and spillage have destroyed the farmland and water sources of the Ogoni people hurting agricultural yields and fishing populations. Pollution has drastically affected the Ogoni people’s way of life, and has hindered their ability to earn a living.
In response to the Shell oil spills, the Ogoni people organized and formed the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). This group still exists today and advocates for environmental, economic and social justice for the Ogoni people. In 1993 MOSOP was able to organize a peaceful protest of over 300,000 people. Due to rising tensions and protests, Shell pulled out of Ogoniland in 1993. However, Shell's oil pipes remain and continue to leak. While Shell has been found responsible, they have done little to mitigate the problem. |