Ilaje Communities Demand Urgent Action From Chevron Over Ongoing Oil Spill
Community leaders, environmental advocates, and civil society groups have sounded the alarm over a major oil spill from Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Berthing Operational Platform (BOP) in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, calling for immediate action to contain the damage.
The spill, which occurred on 12 April 2025, has reportedly caused widespread pollution, destroyed marine ecosystems, and crippled livelihoods in the coastal communities especially among women who rely heavily on fishing and farming.
In an open letter released Monday, groups including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), and representatives of the Abereke communities described the incident as part of a “longstanding pattern of environmental negligence” by the oil giant.
“This egregious environmental disaster demands immediate action,” the letter read. “We call on Chevron Nigeria Limited to take full responsibility for clean-up, restoration, and compensation.”
The signatories warned that the leak is beyond the control of local authorities and poses long-term threats to health, biodiversity, and economic survival in the region.
They also accused Chevron of deepening gender inequalities, noting that women and children bear the brunt of the crisis.
The groups issued four urgent demands: stop the leak, clean up the area, assess and address health impacts, and compensate all affected, particularly women.
“We will not stand by as our environment and livelihoods are ravaged,” they concluded. “Chevron must act now.”
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