The Environmental Effects of the Shell Gas Company on the developing country of Nigeria

Nigeria has always had a history of political instability. The developing country is home to numerous problems, whether they be economic, social, environmental, or political. It is also home to a few multinational corporations, with their main interest in Nigeria being drilling for oil/ oil rigs in the Gulf of Guinea.

Take for example, the Royal Dutch Shell Company, more commonly refered to as “Shell Oil”, or simply “Shell”. It began oil and gas drilling and production in South West Nigeria in the late 1950’s. Shell is the 5th largest gas/oi/petroleum company in the world, and among other things, accounts for more than 45% (Domestic) and 65% (International) of the total export earnings of Nigeria. These earnings however, come with an extreme environmental cost.

An example of this is the Niger Delta region. The residents of this region filed a lawsuit against the Shell Company due to the extreme environmental effects caused due to oil spills. It deeply affected the fish in the rivers/streams, which is one of the main food sources of the Ogale community. It also combines with the smoke and rain to pollute the soil with acidic water, which makes it almost impossible to grow crops. The region has also received an increase in bronchial and respitory diseases/sicknesses. Gas flaming is another environmental issue in this area, as it contributes to Global warming, may cause Acid Rain, and severely incapacitates the agricultural industry.