Shell and the legal representatives of Nigerian communities affected by devastating oil spills are both claiming partial victories following a preliminary court ruling in London.
The High Court held a preliminary trial between 13 February and 7 March 2025 to determine key legal issues ahead of a full trial scheduled for March 2027, expected to last 18 weeks.
On Friday, Mrs. Justice May delivered a detailed 180-page judgment, outlining the scope and legal boundaries for the upcoming full trial. While Shell welcomed aspects of the ruling that narrowed the case’s focus, lawyers for the impacted Nigerian communities highlighted findings they believe support their claims for environmental accountability and justice.
The decision marks a significant step in one of the largest environmental litigation cases involving a multinational company and communities in the Global South.
