Community leaders, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) have called on Chevron Nigeria Ltd to immediately stop an ongoing oil leak and contain the spill that occurred on 12 April 2025 at its Berthing Operational Platform (BOP) located in shallow waters offshore Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In an open letter released on Monday, the groups raised the alarm over widespread environmental degradation caused by the spill, warning that it poses severe threats to local livelihoods, especially among fishing and farming communities.
The letter was jointly signed by CAPPA, ERA/FoEN, representatives of the Abereke communities (including Prince Taiwo Aiyedatiwa, General Secretary), local fishing cooperatives, individual residents of Ilaje, and grassroots environmental groups.
According to the letter, affected areas have experienced extensive water pollution, the destruction of marine ecosystems, and long-term damage to economic activities in the region.
The signatories described the incident as part of a longstanding pattern of environmental negligence by Chevron in the Niger Delta and accused the oil giant of consistently failing to uphold environmental standards or respect the rights of its host communities.
“This egregious environmental disaster demands immediate action,” the letter reads in part. “We call on Chevron Nigeria Limited to take full responsibility for the clean-up, restoration, and compensation for the devastation caused to our ecosystem.”
They added that:“For decades, Chevron’s operations have left behind a trail of oil spills, gas flaring, and ecosystem degradation. Despite countless outcries, the company has consistently failed to uphold environmental and human rights standards in its host communities, who continue to suffer the devastating impacts of its operations.”
“Chevron’s recent oil spill has not only caused ecological damage but has also deepened existing gender inequalities, increasing the economic vulnerability and social marginalisation of women and children who play key roles in local fishing economies, family farms, and household sustenance.”
The organisations warned that the spill, which they noted has become a recurring issue, is beyond the control of local authorities and is having catastrophic impacts on the environment, health, and economic well-being of the communities.
“The local waters are polluted, forests and marine life are destroyed, and the once-flourishing fishing and farming communities now struggle to survive,” they said. “The long-term consequences of this spill will be devastating if not addressed promptly and effectively.”
They condemned Chevron’s actions as “a pattern of environmental negligence and corporate irresponsibility rife with human rights violations” and reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of Ilaje, describing the situation as “a violation of their right to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment.”
The groups issued four urgent demands to Chevron Nigeria Ltd:
Immediately stop the oil leak and contain the spill: Chevron must take all necessary measures to halt the leak and prevent further environmental damage.
Conduct a thorough clean-up of the affected area: The company should deploy adequate resources and equipment to clean up the spill and restore the affected environment to its original state, with community and civil society oversight.
Assess and mitigate the environmental and health impacts: A comprehensive assessment must be conducted to evaluate the spill’s environmental and health impacts, followed by urgent provision of medical support, food aid, and livelihood restoration programmes for affected communities.
Provide timely and adequate compensation: Chevron must offer fair and adequate compensation to all individuals and communities affected by the spill, including women whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
The letter concluded with a warning:“We will not stand by as our environment and livelihoods are ravaged by reckless, profit-driven actions. We demand that Chevron Nigeria Limited prioritise the well-being of Ilaje communities, take immediate action to address this crisis, and uphold its corporate responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.”
