Greengrants has been funding grassroots groups involved in a campaign to stop illegal gas flaring in the Niger Delta of Nigeria for years. The High Court of Nigeria, on November 14, 2005, ordered Shell Petroleum to stop gas flaring. Gas flaring not only emits greenhouse gasses—it also can lead to terrible health and respiratory problems for those who live in close proximity.
This decision was a precedent for the region and reflects the hard work of organizations in the area, especially Environmental Rights Action, directed by Greengrants West Africa Advisor Nnimmo Bassey. To find out more about this decision, click here.
But the story is never so simple. In the latest update, Shell has not actually stopped gas flaring and is involved in varying levels of appeals. To get the full story and the latest news, go to Environmental Rights Action’s (the Nigerian chapter of Friends of the Earth International) press release.
Just last month, Greengrants supported the Iwherekan Community with a small grant to continue with this ongoing court battle. We’ll keep you updated as this David and Goliath conflict continues.