The Supreme Court in London has begun hearing a case that will determine whether nearly 30,000 Nigerians can seek compensation from the oil giant Shell for land damage caused by an oil spill in 2011.
The spill caused significant damage to coastal communities in Bayelsa and Delta State, according to residents.
An earlier decision by London’s Court of Appeal said the case was brought too late after the leak occurred.
Under English law, a complainant may sue for property damage no more than six years after the alleged incident.
The spill occurred approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) off the coast of Nigeria and lasted several hours before the pipeline was closed and the oil stopped flowing.
At least 40,000 barrels of oil leaked into the sea, making it one of Nigeria’s largest spills ever.
Nigerian communities argue that the oil destroyed their shoreline and has caused widespread damage to their land and water supply and that they should be allowed to seek compensation.
A decision is not expected for several months.
