Geneva, 13 August 1998

Following the yesterday's statement of the Transnational Radical Party in the UN Subcommission on Minorities, the representative of Nigeria exercised today his right of reply:

Chris Osah said he wanted to speak on the question of the Ogoni. "Some NGOs, in particular, the International Radical Party, have alleged that there were serious human rights violations in Ogoni land on the part of the Nigerian government and Shell Nigeria Limited. Neither the Nigerian government nor Shell Nigeria has abandoned their responsibilities in these areas. Shell Nigeria has built roads in Ogoni land, and the Nigerian government has laid down standards and is doing all it can to ensure that these standards are met. In addition, 13.5 per cent of the profit from oil production are given to the oil producing areas for their development. The new Nigerian government has dissolved all political parties and the National Electoral Commission. A new Commission has been established yesterday. The Ogoni people have the right to hold different views, as do all Nigerians. Today all Nigerians, have resolved to put the past behind and move the country forward."