Don’t Link Our Operations to Dead Fishes in Niger Delta, Says Shell

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Monday said its operations have nothing to do with the dead fishes that have been discovered floating on the Niger Delta coastline.
In a statement signed by Shell’s Media Relations Manager, Mr Bamidele Odugbesan, the company said it has not suffered oil leakages in its operations which could be linked to the dead fishes.
The statement said Shell has been supporting the Delta Government and industry regulators which have been investigating what led to the dead fishes floating on the waters.
According to the statement, “The SPDC hereby clarifies that there is no release of dangerous, toxic or chemical substances from its operations at the Forcados oil terminal or from its facilities in Ogulagha or any part of the Niger Delta where the company operates.
“Relevant government agencies are already investigating the alleged `fish kill incident’ along the coastline in the Niger Delta and SPDC is supporting the investigations.
“The Nigeria Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) was widely reported to have clearly stated that there is no evidence that oil and gas operations may have impacted the aquatic environment as being claimed in respect of the `fish kill incident.’
“On our part, we are working with the relevant government agencies and the Delta State Ministry of Environment in the investigation of the allegation.
“We have conducted a joint investigation visit to the coastline, samples have been collected and testing is ongoing in accredited laboratories,”
It would be recalled that residents in the coastline of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom had complained of floating of croaker fishes that were found dead.
However, the Director-General of NOSDRA, Mr Idris Musa told newsmen that his agency did not find any oil spill linking the dead fishes.