Odimudi, Nigeria
The delta in Nigeria is one of the most polluted regions in the world; it is estimated that more oil is spilled across this region each year than what was spilled in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
Odimodi, and surrounding communities, are hosts to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Agip and other sub companies.
A Shell oil spill continues to impact the community’s daily life, over 2 years after the spill.
Fishing, periwinkle gathering and basket weaving are essential for the livelihoods of the villagers, but the waterways remain polluted and the local ecosystem has been destroyed. In order to survive, inhabitants must put themselves at risk by venturing deeper out to sea and further upstream.
The true amount of oil spilled, and oil damage to the communities and the environment, remains unknown.
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Shot on location with the help of from the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria.
Learn more on their website.
The team could not get close to the facilities, due to army combatants guarding the area.
Furthermore, the creeks of the Niger Delta are home to gangs of young men who allegedly work for the oil industry. This was made evident when the team was attacked, cornered and forced to delete the content on their phones. The team managed to save only some of the videos from the shoot.