Shell has operated a major pipeline in the Niger Delta for years despite knowing it was corroded and leaking, according to internal documents seen by the BBC. The pipeline, which carries crude oil from the Bonga field, has been cited in multiple pollution reports since 2018. Shell denies wrongdoing but has faced repeated legal challenges over oil spills in the region.
Now a group of UK institutional investors, led by the Church of England Pensions Board, is threatening a shareholder revolt at Shell's annual general meeting next month. The investors demand a full independent audit of Shell's Nigerian operations and a binding vote on its environmental remediation plan. Shell has declined to comment on the specific allegations but stated it 'takes its responsibilities in Nigeria seriously'.
The row comes as Shell faces a landmark High Court trial in London brought by 15,000 Nigerian farmers and fishermen over oil spills. The company has previously paid out millions in compensation but denies liability, arguing that most spills are caused by sabotage. Environmental groups say the new disclosures show Shell's self-policing has failed and that external oversight is needed.
