Transnational oil corporations responsible for heavy environmental damage across Africa —Report

Social and environmental realities have successfully dispelled the claims of transnational oil corporations that they protect human and environmental rights in their spheres of operation.  What has become normal is the total disregard for the safety and well-being of original landowners and frontline communities and instead, a premium placed on profit over and above the natural environment.

The above are the findings of a recent report titled: ‘Exposing the Impacts of Transnational Oil Corporations on Frontline Communities in Africa.’

The report launched on Wednesday is  the outcome of a project jointly implemented by the following organisations in their respective countries: Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in Nigeria, Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) in Ghana, Household Disaster Resilience Project in The Gambia, African Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) in Uganda, and DWB-Foundation in Kenya.

Some of the key findings state that in Nigeria, the people of the Iwerekhan community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, are at a losing end. The once fertile community has progressively lost all its identity and rich history of farming and fishing, no thanks to the long history of oil extraction in the Community and the associated environmental pollution that continues to reduce the social and environmental worth of the people.

In Kenya, people of Mijikenda expressed deep concern about the negative impacts of Vivo Energy (Shell)’s operations on their environment, livelihoods, and overall well-being.

Similar stories of exploitation exist in Ghana, The Gambia and Uganda where oil spills, destruction of biodiversity and displacement of communities have occurred.

“Going by the findings obtained from multiple sources, it is not debatable that Transnational Oil Corporation are chiefly responsible for the heavy environmental damages across Africa,” the report noted.

It recommended that governments in Africa should adjust policies and laws to enforce caution and punishment targeting the aftermaths of extractivism; mandate oil corporations to be responsible for their infractions either deliberate or operational, ensure that corporations adhere to the conduct and public issuance of Environmental Impact Assessment Report, among other recommendations.

Civil society organisations were also charged to constantly engage government policies to guide against foreign influence and suggestions, and harmonise actions and demands.