{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Why is Shell involved in an English court case over Nigerian oil spill claims?","text":"Shell is involved in an ongoing English court case relating to alleged historic oil pollution in the Bille and Ogale communities in Nigeria. The claims have been brought against Renaissance Africa Energy Company as operator of the relevant facilities, and against Shell plc as the former parent company.","links":[{"name":"Why is Shell involved in an English court case over Nigerian oil spill claims?","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1774876213376/nigeria-lawsuits-workers-on-steps.jpeg","alt":"Photo of three workers wearing protective workwear holding the handrail and walking up a staircase at an oil refinery.","width":3816,"height":2148},"tags":[{"name":"Corporate Relations","value":"line-of-business:corporate-relations"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"News and insights","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights.html"},{"name":"Shell’s perspectives on key topics","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics.html"},{"name":"Why is Shell involved in an English court case over Nigerian oil spill claims?","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"Why is Shell involved in an English court case over Nigerian oil spill claims?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EShell is involved in an ongoing English court case relating to alleged historic oil pollution in the Bille and Ogale communities in Nigeria. The claims have been brought against Renaissance Africa Energy Company as operator of the relevant facilities, and against Shell plc as the former parent company.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header"}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"inherited","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_272445048_co/text","model":{"text":"\u003Ch2\u003ESummary\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThis page explains an ongoing court case in England relating to alleged historic oil pollution in the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State, Nigeria.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt sets out the claims brought against Renaissance Africa Energy Company as the operator of the relevant facilities, and against Shell plc as the former parent company.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIt also summarises Shell’s position that crude oil theft and sabotage over many years caused the majority of spills in this case and outlines the history and future stages of the case. \u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.LinkList","color":"brand1-solid","colspan":4,"colstart":9,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_272445048_co/link_list","model":{"title":"On this page","links":[{"name":"Bille and Ogale: background","value":"#bille-and-ogale--background","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/navigation/arrow-down.svg"},{"name":"Bille and Ogale: timelines and media releases","value":"#bille-and-ogale--timelines-and-media-releases","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/navigation/arrow-down.svg"},{"name":"Frequently asked questions about Bille and Ogale","value":"#frequently-asked-questions-about-bille-and-ogale","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/navigation/arrow-down.svg"}]}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_272445048_co","model":{"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/_jcr_content/root/main/section_272445048_co.shellimg.png/1774514416892/textured-background.png","alt":"textured background","width":3840,"height":960}}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"inherited","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_276697994_co/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EFor several years, Shell has been involved in an ongoing Nigerian oil spill case in the English courts. Bille and Ogale vs Shell plc and Renaissance Africa Energy Company.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EClaims have been brought against Renaissance Africa Energy Company, as operator of the facilities from which oil spills are alleged to have occurred, and against Shell plc as the former parent company.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EWe strongly believe in the merits of our case. Oil is being stolen on an industrial scale in the Niger Delta. This criminality is a major source of pollution and is the cause of the majority of spills in the Bille and Ogale claims.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EThese challenges are managed by a joint venture which Shell’s former Nigerian subsidiary operated, cleaning up every spill from the joint venture’s facilities. Now under new ownership and called Renaissance Africa Energy Company, the company still operates as part of the joint venture and remains accountable for cleaning up spills from the joint venture’s facilities.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EUK solicitors Leigh Day’s litigation does little to address the real problem in the Niger Delta: oil pollution due to theft, illegal refining and sabotage, which cause the most environmental damage.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EShell remains a major investor in Nigeria, supporting the country’s energy needs and its economy.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_276697994_co","model":{"title":"Bille and Ogale: background"}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"brand1-subtle","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_687752048/text","model":{"title":"Timeline of legal proceedings","text":"\u003Cp\u003ELast updated: February 13, 2026\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_687752048/text_285689267","model":{"text":"\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENovember 2025\u003C/b\u003E: Case Management Conference on administrative matters in the Bille and Ogale proceedings.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EApril 2025\u003C/b\u003E: Case Management Conference - procedural hearing.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFebruary/March 2025\u003C/b\u003E: Preliminary issues trial to deal with issues of Nigerian law.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDecember 2024\u003C/b\u003E: Written judgment.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOctober 2024\u003C/b\u003E: Court of Appeal hearing both the claimants and the defendants appeals.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMarch 2024\u003C/b\u003E: Judgment handed down that there should be a preliminary issues trial to deal with the issues of Nigerian law.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDecember 2023\u003C/b\u003E: Procedural hearing on the consequences of the November 2023 judgment, and the implications for how the case should be managed.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENovember 2023\u003C/b\u003E: Judgment handed down.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EJuly 2023\u003C/b\u003E: Case Management Conference - procedural hearing.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFebruary 2021\u003C/b\u003E: English Supreme Court overturns decisions from 2017, 2018.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFebruary 2018\u003C/b\u003E: Court of Appeal decision on jurisdiction; Shell and SPDC (now Renaissance) successful.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EJanuary 2017\u003C/b\u003E: Shell plc and SPDC (now Renaissance) succeed in English High Court in challenging the claimants' ability to bring the claims in England.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2015\u003C/b\u003E: UK solicitors Leigh Day start the first of several oil spill claims against Shell plc and SPDC (now Renaissance) on behalf of the Ogale and Bille communities in Rivers State, Niger Delta.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_687752048/text_1067957123","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003ETimeline of SPDC divestment\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_687752048/text_1338547891","model":{"text":"\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1979\u003C/b\u003E – Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) is formally established.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAugust 2021\u003C/b\u003E – Nigeria passes the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), restructuring the oil and gas regulatory framework.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EJanuary 2024\u003C/b\u003E – Shell announces agreement to sell SPDC to Renaissance consortium.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EApril 2024\u003C/b\u003E – Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announces plans to assess SPDC’s environmental liabilities before approving the sale.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOctober 2024\u003C/b\u003E – NUPRC initially blocks the sale, citing Renaissance's lack of capacity to manage the assets.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMarch 2025\u003C/b\u003E – Shell completes the sale; SPDC is renamed Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1-solid","colspan":4,"colstart":9,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_687752048/text_copy_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003ELatest media releases\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Completion of sale of SPDC to Renaissance","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/newsroom/news-and-media-releases/2025/shell-completes-sale-of-spdc/spdc-sale.html","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/operations/link.svg"},{"name":"Shell completes sale of SPDC to focus its portfolio in Nigeria on Deepwater and Integrated Gas positions","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/newsroom/news-and-media-releases/2025/shell-completes-sale-of-spdc.html","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/operations/link.svg"},{"name":"Shell agrees to sell Nigerian onshore subsidiary, SPDC","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/newsroom/news-and-media-releases/2024/shell-agrees-to-sell-nigerian-onshore-subsidiary-spdc.html","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/operations/link.svg"}]}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_687752048","model":{"title":"Bille and Ogale: timelines and media releases"}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"inherited","children":[{"organism":"Container.FAQ","colspan":8,"colstart":3,"children":[{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006_c/faq/faq_item_copy_842524500","model":{"title":"Why is Shell in an English court over Nigerian oil spills?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EFor several years, Shell has been involved in an ongoing Nigerian oil spill case in the English courts. Bille & Ogale vs Shell plc and Renaissance Africa Energy Company involves claims brought against Renaissance (formerly The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC)), as operator of the facilities from which oil spills are alleged to have occurred, and against Shell plc as SPDC’s former parent company. Shell sold SPDC to Renaissance Africa Energy Holding in 2025, after which SPDC was renamed Renaissance Africa Energy Company (Renaissance).\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ECrude oil theft and sabotage in Nigeria are major issues in these claims. These criminal activities over many years are behind the majority of spills in the Bille and Ogale case, and we maintain that neither Shell nor Renaissance are liable for illegal refining or other third-party criminal acts.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.ng/\"\u003EShell companies in Nigeria\u003C/a\u003E continue to contribute significantly to the country's economy and society. Shell recently announced a significant investment in a \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/newsroom/news-and-media-releases/2024/shell-invests-in-bonga-north-deep-water-project-nigeria.html\"\u003ENigerian deep-water project\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006_c/faq/faq_item_copy_741580676","model":{"title":"What do the Bille and Ogale claims entail?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe claims against Renaissance and Shell plc involve:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EFour separate claims for compensation for oil spills, brought in England, on behalf of two Nigerian communities in Rivers State, Nigeria (the Bille Kingdom and the Ogale Community) and approximately 14,000 individual claimants.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EThe Bille claim emanates from alleged spills from 2011 – 2014 from Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL, a divested asset). The Ogale claim is based on alleged spills from 1989-2020. There are 131 alleged spills in total – Bille (10); Ogale (121). Currently, the focus is on Bille claims while Ogale claims are paused.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006_c/faq/faq_item","model":{"title":"What happens next in the Bille and Ogale lawsuit?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EAn 18-week merits trial for Bille will take place from early 2027. The trial will examine a selection of claimants, the damages they claim, and the alleged causes of the damages.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006_c/faq/faq_item_copy_2086973966","model":{"title":"Why has this case been going on for a decade?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIn 2015, UK solicitors Leigh Day started the first of several oil spill claims against Shell plc and SPDC on behalf of the Ogale and Bille communities in Rivers State, Niger Delta. Shell plc and SPDC challenged the claimants' ability to bring the claims in England, given the alleged events and harm occurred entirely in Nigeria. The English High Court (January 2017) and Court of Appeal (February 2018) agreed with Shell’s position. However, the English Supreme Court overturned those decisions in February 2021, finding that the claimants had an arguable case – a low threshold – which meant their claims could not be dismissed at this stage without a more detailed review of the merits.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ESince then, Shell has not sought to delay this claim. The procedural challenges we raised were due to a poorly pleaded claim in 2016. With the court’s assistance, there is now a fair and acceptable way through to trial.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006_c/faq/faq_item_copy","model":{"title":"What about the sale of SPDC to Renaissance?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EShell \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/newsroom/news-and-media-releases/2025/shell-completes-sale-of-spdc/spdc-sale.html\"\u003Esold its Nigerian subsidiary in 2025 to a capable buyer\u003C/a\u003E with operating experience in the Niger Delta, approved by the government. Now under new ownership and called \u003Ca href=\"https://renaissanceafrica.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ERenaissance Africa Energy Company\u003C/a\u003E, the company operates as part of a joint venture. The sale was designed to help set up Renaissance for success, by keeping the company’s expertise intact, including environmental capabilities.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006_c/faq/faq_item_copy_copy","model":{"title":"Did Shell exit Nigeria without cleaning up?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EFor many years, the vast majority of spills in the Niger Delta have been caused by third parties acting unlawfully, such as oil thieves who drill holes in pipelines, or saboteurs. These challenges are managed by a joint venture which Shell’s former subsidiary operated, using local expertise in spill response and clean-up.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe spills from Renaissance’s joint venture facilities referenced in the Bille and Ogale litigation were cleaned up by the joint venture regardless of the cause, as required by Nigerian law, working in collaboration with government-owned partner NNPC Ltd, Nigerian government agencies and local communities. Clean-up certificates were issued by the \u003Ca href=\"https://nosdra.gov.ng/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ENigerian regulator NOSDRA\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EShell has not exited Nigeria; we remain a major investor in Nigeria with our Deepwater and Gas businesses; \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.ng/about-us/what-we-do/snepco.html\"\u003EShell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo)\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.ng/about-us/what-we-do/sng.html\"\u003EShell Nigeria Gas Limited (SNG)\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nlng.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ENigeria LNG Limited (NLNG)\u003C/a\u003E (25.6% interest) , supporting the country’s energy needs and its economy.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006_c/faq","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006_c","model":{"title":"Frequently asked questions about Bille and Ogale"}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"brand1-subtle","children":[{"organism":"Container.List","colspan":8,"colstart":3,"children":[{"organism":"AccordionItem","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1893691012_c/list_copy/list_item","model":{"title":"Cautionary note","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this content “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this content refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EForward-Looking statements\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis content contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”; “ambition”; ‘‘anticipate’’; “aspire”, “aspiration”, ‘‘believe’’; “commit”; “commitment”; ‘‘could’’; “desire”; ‘‘estimate’’; ‘‘expect’’; ‘‘goals’’; ‘‘intend’’; ‘‘may’’; “milestones”; ‘‘objectives’’; ‘‘outlook’’; ‘‘plan’’; ‘‘probably’’; ‘‘project’’; ‘‘risks’’; “schedule”; ‘‘seek’’; ‘‘should’’; ‘‘target’’; “vision”; ‘‘will’’; “would” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this content, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks, including climate change; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including tariffs and regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, and a significant cyber security, data privacy or IT incident; (n) the pace of the energy transition; and (o) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this content are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 (available at \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html\"\u003Ewww.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.sec.gov/\"\u003Ewww.sec.gov\u003C/a\u003E). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this content and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this content. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this content.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShell’s net carbon intensity\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAlso, in this content we may refer to Shell’s “net carbon intensity” (NCI), which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell’s NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell’s “net carbon intensity” or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShell’s net-zero emissions target\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EShell’s operating plan and outlook are forecasted for a three-year period and ten-year period, respectively, and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next three and ten years. Accordingly, the outlook reflects our combined Scope 1 and 2 target, NCI target and our oil products ambition over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plan and outlook cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is outside our planning period. Such future operating plans and outlooks could include changes to our portfolio, efficiency improvements and the use of carbon capture and storage and carbon credits. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans and outlooks to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EForward-Looking non-GAAP measures\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis content may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as free cash flow and underlying operating expenses. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe contents of websites referred to in this content do not form part of this content.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EWe may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this content that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website \u003Ca href=\"https://www.sec.gov/\"\u003Ewww.sec.gov\u003C/a\u003E. \u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1893691012_c/list_copy","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1893691012_c","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"brand1","children":[{"organism":"PromoCard","color":"brand1-subtle","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_672815987","model":{"title":"What are Shell’s activities in Nigeria?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EShell has played a significant role in Nigeria’s energy sector for decades and continues to be a major investor, supporting Nigeria’s growing energy needs and ambitions and contributing to its economy.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/shells-activities-in-nigeria.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/_jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_672815987.shellimg.jpeg/1774876260981/nigeria-four-workers.jpeg","alt":"Four people wearing protective workwear walking together in conversation at a production 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2050.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Climate","value":"https://www.shell.com/sustainability/climate.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/_jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_copy_copy.shellimg.jpeg/1774857108882/our-climate-target-promo.jpeg","alt":"Windmill","width":3840,"height":2160}}},{"organism":"PromoCard","color":"brand1-subtle","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_672815987_235728260","model":{"title":"Newsroom","text":"\u003Cp\u003EAll media releases published by Shell plc this year, and archived releases from the past five years.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E \u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/newsroom.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/_jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_672815987_235728260.shellimg.jpeg/1774526343347/news-room-thumbnail.jpeg","alt":"Newsroom","width":1019,"height":574}}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c","model":{"title":"You may also be interested in"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"News and insights","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights.html"},{"name":"Shell’s perspectives on key topics","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics.html"},{"name":"Why is Shell involved in an English court case over Nigerian oil spill claims?","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Why is Shell involved in an English court case over Nigerian oil spill claims?","text":"Shell is involved in an ongoing English court case relating to alleged historic oil pollution in the Bille and Ogale communities in Nigeria. The claims have been brought against Renaissance Africa Energy Company as operator of the relevant facilities, and against Shell plc as the former parent company.","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Global"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-GB"},{"name":"title","value":"Why is Shell involved in an English court case over Nigerian oil spill claims? | Shell Global"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/why-is-shell-involved-in-an-english-court-case-over-nigerian-oil-spill-claims"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\n\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell global website.\r\n\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. 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